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"slug": "an-ice-surge-in-california-ahead-of-the-midterms-heres-what-we-know",
"title": "An ICE Surge in California Ahead of the Midterms? Here’s What We Know",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>With just a few weeks until the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">Nov. 3 midterm elections\u003c/a>, concerns — and rumors — about operations by U.S. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/immigration\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u003c/a> are once again spreading among immigrant communities in California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Advocates have confirmed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">a wave\u003c/a> of immigration arrests across the Central Valley this month, with more than 100 farmworkers and other people detained since Monday. And while Bay Area groups that monitor ICE activity have not seen a similar surge in the region, elected officials and community groups have expressed concern that the fear of immigration raids could discourage even eligible citizens from voting on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We know what Republicans are trying to do — intimidate Latino citizens so they stay at home and don’t exercise their right to vote,” East Bay Rep. Lateefah Simon told KQED in an emailed statement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12068706\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-elect for California’s 12th congressional district, speaks with KQED politics reporter Scott Shafer at KQED’s offices in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Whenever there’s been a confirmed, major ICE operation in California, local businesses in majority Latino neighborhoods \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050993/a-day-in-the-life-of-san-joses-rapid-response-network-built-to-resist-ice-fear\">struggle\u003c/a>, schools \u003ca href=\"https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/student-absences-increased-under-threat-deportation-efforts-study-finds\">see more absences\u003c/a>, and immigrant families even postpone \u003ca href=\"https://cssp.org/resource/through-their-eyes-immigration-enforcement-health-wellbeing-children-families/\">going to the doctor\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If people hear the rumors that ICE is present, then right away the community lets itself know: ‘We need to stay home’,” said Jacob Sandoval, director of the California chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#ice-agents\">What does the law say about law enforcement at polling booths?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement released solely in Spanish on Oct. 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged an increase in reports of federal immigration enforcement in California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But he urged state residents to know their rights, adding that “Donald Trump uses fear as a weapon — putting families in danger, weakening trust and terrifying communities.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what we know so far about immigration enforcement in California in the run-up to the midterm election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How reports and rumors are fueling anxieties ahead of the midterms\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An article published earlier this month by the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em> stated that ICE had launched a 45-day operation across California to arrest all immigrants without legal status. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Several \u003ca href=\"https://newrepublic.com/post/216405/ice-terrifying-marching-orders-california\">other publications\u003c/a> picked up the story and within days, dozens of posts warning about what ICE was allegedly calling “Operation Safe California” circulated on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The original reporting only quotes two unnamed sources and pointed to San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego as the three main targets of ICE’s apparent surge. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This move, the story suggested, was part of a strategy by the White House to focus immigration enforcement on California ahead of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">Nov. 3 elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noting the proximity to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">midterm elections\u003c/a>, the story said: “the decision to focus ICE resources throughout the sanctuary state is the latest effort by the Trump administration to unleash ICE in a blue state following surges to Minnesota, Illinois, New York, and Oregon.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, the Department of Homeland Security said that “for operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California,” a spokesperson wrote via email. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Back in January, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071704/ice-super-bowl-immigration-enforcement-santa-clara-san-francisco-bay-area-2026\">similar rumors\u003c/a> about possible ICE activity at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara spread across the Bay Area in the run-up to the event — rumors which DHS similarly refused to confirm or deny following KQED’s queries. (Ultimately, no mass immigration enforcement materialized at the event.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Voting fears among even citizens\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A recent investigation \u003ca href=\"https://projects.propublica.org/american-citizens-detained-dhs-civil-rights/\">by ProPublica\u003c/a> found that immigration enforcement agents have detained more than 500 U.S. citizens during the second Trump administration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And LULAC’s Sandoval emphasized that fears about increased ICE activity can also impact mixed-status families — where some relatives are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others have no legal status. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Families might not feel comfortable with their loved ones going to the polls, even if they’re U.S. citizens,” Sandoval said. “We don’t want law enforcement or ICE around polling places where people might feel intimidated.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2285787606-scaled-e1791586238561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091600\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When it comes to citizenship and voter eligibility, California is already fighting a separate legal battle with the federal government ahead of the midterms. On Thursday, the Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104425/california-officials-denounce-trump-dojs-demands-to-prove-voters-citizenship\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> in order to force state officials to set aside the ballots already mailed to over 20,000 registered voters — individuals that the Trump administration claimed are not actually eligible citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the state’s top elections official, said in a letter that she will review any evidence from the federal government that proves certain voters are not citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians — or order any county elections official to do so — based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens,” she added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Has there been an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">reached out\u003c/a> to immigration advocates and rapid response networks across the state to confirm if they were seeing a surge in ICE operations in the wake of the Central Valley arrests and the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em>’s claims.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are definitely on the alert and preparing in case of increased ICE activity or large-scale raids in our region,” said Lourdes Martínez, co-director of the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership, the county’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050971/meet-the-community-members-behind-santa-clara-countys-ice-rapid-response-network\">rapid response network\u003c/a>. “We have not been able to verify any specifics, so we are monitoring the situation.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She added that lawyers are preparing in case large-scale raids do materialize. Outreach workers are also sharing an \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACILEP-Safety-Planning-Checklist-for-Families-2026-9a7f4962.pdf\">“Emergency Planning Checklist for Families”\u003c/a> to help immigrants prepare, said Martínez, in case a family member is arrested.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098459\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents walk a detainee out of the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura, California, on July 27, 2026. (Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other groups in the Bay Area that monitor ICE activity have told KQED they haven’t yet seen a major surge, but confirmed that rumors about “Operation California” \u003cem>have \u003c/em>circulated widely in their communities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meanwhile in the Central Valley, state Sen. Anna Caballero — who represents parts of Fresno and Merced — said she had heard of an estimated 60 arrests last week within the communities she represents.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The facility in downtown Fresno is having trouble processing” this amount of detainees, Caballero’s spokesperson Elisa Rivera told KQED in an email. “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084687/like-an-angel-meet-the-helpers-working-at-bay-area-immigration-court\">Legal observers\u003c/a> are having little success gaining access.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ice-agents\">What does the law say about ICE agents at polling locations?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this year, California lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb884\">approved stronger restrictions\u003c/a> on how law enforcement officers can conduct arrests during an election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SB 884 prohibits law enforcement — a category which includes federal agents like ICE but also state and local officers — from making arrests within 200 feet of a polling place on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The law does specify an exception: Arrests can still be made within the 200 feet “buffer zone” for crimes “related to disrupting the operation of the polling place, a crime against a person, or a crime against property.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Nov. 4, 2025. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We know that it can be a form of intimidation if folks are going to vote in person and see law enforcement there,” said Angélica Salceda, with the ACLU of Northern California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We all have a right to be able to cast our ballot free from coercion or intimidation,” she added. “We have the right for that vote to be secret. We don’t have to answer any questions about who we voted for if we don’t want to.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If county officials determine that voting was disrupted at a polling place because law enforcement violated this law, they can extend the time voters have to turn in their ballots beyond the usual poll closing time of 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, SB 884 specifies that the buffer zone only applies on Election Day — Nov. 3 of this year. There is no mention of these restrictions being effective on the weeks leading up to Election Day, when many voters go to their county election office or early voting center to turn in their ballots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Salceda points out that there are also other ways to vote, including mailing in your ballot by Nov. 3 or placing it in an official county drop box. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Trump administration has tried to change the rules around voting by mail, but these efforts were \u003ca href=\"https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/u-s-supreme-court-blocks-postal-service-from-restricting-mail-ballots\">blocked earlier\u003c/a> this year by the Supreme Court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Armed law enforcement aren’t the only ones capable of voter intimidation, added Salceda. “We’re talking about situations where someone would want to drop their ballot at the dropbox and someone is there harassing or intimidating people,” she said. “Those are unlawful actions that should be reported.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California’s secretary of state has \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/contact\">a hotline available\u003c/a> in multiple languages where residents can report incidents that may violate electoral law.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>English: 800-345-VOTE (8683) \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Spanish: 800-232-VOTA (8682)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Chinese: 800-339-2857 \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Hindi: 888-345-2692\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tagalog: 800-339-2957\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/tychehendricks\">\u003cem>Tyche Hendricks \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/lfitzgerald\">\u003cem>Laura Fitzgerald\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>With just a few weeks until the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">Nov. 3 midterm elections\u003c/a>, concerns — and rumors — about operations by U.S. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/immigration\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u003c/a> are once again spreading among immigrant communities in California.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>With just a few weeks until the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">Nov. 3 midterm elections\u003c/a>, concerns — and rumors — about operations by U.S. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/immigration\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u003c/a> are once again spreading among immigrant communities in California.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Advocates have confirmed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">a wave\u003c/a> of immigration arrests across the Central Valley this month, with more than 100 farmworkers and other people detained since Monday. And while Bay Area groups that monitor ICE activity have not seen a similar surge in the region, elected officials and community groups have expressed concern that the fear of immigration raids could discourage even eligible citizens from voting on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Advocates have confirmed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">a wave\u003c/a> of immigration arrests across the Central Valley this month, with more than 100 farmworkers and other people detained since Monday. And while Bay Area groups that monitor ICE activity have not seen a similar surge in the region, elected officials and community groups have expressed concern that the fear of immigration raids could discourage even eligible citizens from voting on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We know what Republicans are trying to do — intimidate Latino citizens so they stay at home and don’t exercise their right to vote,” East Bay Rep. Lateefah Simon told KQED in an emailed statement.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We know what Republicans are trying to do — intimidate Latino citizens so they stay at home and don’t exercise their right to vote,” East Bay Rep. Lateefah Simon told KQED in an emailed statement.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12068706\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-elect for California’s 12th congressional district, speaks with KQED politics reporter Scott Shafer at KQED’s offices in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12068706\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-elect for California’s 12th congressional district, speaks with KQED politics reporter Scott Shafer at KQED’s offices in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2024.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Whenever there’s been a confirmed, major ICE operation in California, local businesses in majority Latino neighborhoods \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050993/a-day-in-the-life-of-san-joses-rapid-response-network-built-to-resist-ice-fear\">struggle\u003c/a>, schools \u003ca href=\"https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/student-absences-increased-under-threat-deportation-efforts-study-finds\">see more absences\u003c/a>, and immigrant families even postpone \u003ca href=\"https://cssp.org/resource/through-their-eyes-immigration-enforcement-health-wellbeing-children-families/\">going to the doctor\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Whenever there’s been a confirmed, major ICE operation in California, local businesses in majority Latino neighborhoods \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050993/a-day-in-the-life-of-san-joses-rapid-response-network-built-to-resist-ice-fear\">struggle\u003c/a>, schools \u003ca href=\"https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/student-absences-increased-under-threat-deportation-efforts-study-finds\">see more absences\u003c/a>, and immigrant families even postpone \u003ca href=\"https://cssp.org/resource/through-their-eyes-immigration-enforcement-health-wellbeing-children-families/\">going to the doctor\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If people hear the rumors that ICE is present, then right away the community lets itself know: ‘We need to stay home’,” said Jacob Sandoval, director of the California chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If people hear the rumors that ICE is present, then right away the community lets itself know: ‘We need to stay home’,” said Jacob Sandoval, director of the California chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#ice-agents\">What does the law say about law enforcement at polling booths?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#ice-agents\">What does the law say about law enforcement at polling booths?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement released solely in Spanish on Oct. 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged an increase in reports of federal immigration enforcement in California. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In a statement released solely in Spanish on Oct. 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged an increase in reports of federal immigration enforcement in California. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But he urged state residents to know their rights, adding that “Donald Trump uses fear as a weapon — putting families in danger, weakening trust and terrifying communities.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But he urged state residents to know their rights, adding that “Donald Trump uses fear as a weapon — putting families in danger, weakening trust and terrifying communities.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s what we know so far about immigration enforcement in California in the run-up to the midterm election.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Here’s what we know so far about immigration enforcement in California in the run-up to the midterm election.\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "How reports and rumors are fueling anxieties ahead of the midterms",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How reports and rumors are fueling anxieties ahead of the midterms\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>An article published earlier this month by the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em> stated that ICE had launched a 45-day operation across California to arrest all immigrants without legal status. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>An article published earlier this month by the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em> stated that ICE had launched a 45-day operation across California to arrest all immigrants without legal status. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Several \u003ca href=\"https://newrepublic.com/post/216405/ice-terrifying-marching-orders-california\">other publications\u003c/a> picked up the story and within days, dozens of posts warning about what ICE was allegedly calling “Operation Safe California” circulated on social media.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Several \u003ca href=\"https://newrepublic.com/post/216405/ice-terrifying-marching-orders-california\">other publications\u003c/a> picked up the story and within days, dozens of posts warning about what ICE was allegedly calling “Operation Safe California” circulated on social media.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The original reporting only quotes two unnamed sources and pointed to San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego as the three main targets of ICE’s apparent surge. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The original reporting only quotes two unnamed sources and pointed to San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego as the three main targets of ICE’s apparent surge. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This move, the story suggested, was part of a strategy by the White House to focus immigration enforcement on California ahead of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">Nov. 3 elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This move, the story suggested, was part of a strategy by the White House to focus immigration enforcement on California ahead of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">Nov. 3 elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Noting the proximity to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">midterm elections\u003c/a>, the story said: “the decision to focus ICE resources throughout the sanctuary state is the latest effort by the Trump administration to unleash ICE in a blue state following surges to Minnesota, Illinois, New York, and Oregon.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Noting the proximity to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">midterm elections\u003c/a>, the story said: “the decision to focus ICE resources throughout the sanctuary state is the latest effort by the Trump administration to unleash ICE in a blue state following surges to Minnesota, Illinois, New York, and Oregon.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, the Department of Homeland Security said that “for operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, the Department of Homeland Security said that “for operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California,” a spokesperson wrote via email. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California,” a spokesperson wrote via email. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Back in January, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071704/ice-super-bowl-immigration-enforcement-santa-clara-san-francisco-bay-area-2026\">similar rumors\u003c/a> about possible ICE activity at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara spread across the Bay Area in the run-up to the event — rumors which DHS similarly refused to confirm or deny following KQED’s queries. (Ultimately, no mass immigration enforcement materialized at the event.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Back in January, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071704/ice-super-bowl-immigration-enforcement-santa-clara-san-francisco-bay-area-2026\">similar rumors\u003c/a> about possible ICE activity at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara spread across the Bay Area in the run-up to the event — rumors which DHS similarly refused to confirm or deny following KQED’s queries. (Ultimately, no mass immigration enforcement materialized at the event.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "Voting fears among even citizens",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A recent investigation \u003ca href=\"https://projects.propublica.org/american-citizens-detained-dhs-civil-rights/\">by ProPublica\u003c/a> found that immigration enforcement agents have detained more than 500 U.S. citizens during the second Trump administration.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A recent investigation \u003ca href=\"https://projects.propublica.org/american-citizens-detained-dhs-civil-rights/\">by ProPublica\u003c/a> found that immigration enforcement agents have detained more than 500 U.S. citizens during the second Trump administration.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And LULAC’s Sandoval emphasized that fears about increased ICE activity can also impact mixed-status families — where some relatives are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others have no legal status. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And LULAC’s Sandoval emphasized that fears about increased ICE activity can also impact mixed-status families — where some relatives are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others have no legal status. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Families might not feel comfortable with their loved ones going to the polls, even if they’re U.S. citizens,” Sandoval said. “We don’t want law enforcement or ICE around polling places where people might feel intimidated.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Families might not feel comfortable with their loved ones going to the polls, even if they’re U.S. citizens,” Sandoval said. “We don’t want law enforcement or ICE around polling places where people might feel intimidated.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2285787606-scaled-e1791586238561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091600\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2285787606-scaled-e1791586238561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091600\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>When it comes to citizenship and voter eligibility, California is already fighting a separate legal battle with the federal government ahead of the midterms. On Thursday, the Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104425/california-officials-denounce-trump-dojs-demands-to-prove-voters-citizenship\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> in order to force state officials to set aside the ballots already mailed to over 20,000 registered voters — individuals that the Trump administration claimed are not actually eligible citizens.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>When it comes to citizenship and voter eligibility, California is already fighting a separate legal battle with the federal government ahead of the midterms. On Thursday, the Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104425/california-officials-denounce-trump-dojs-demands-to-prove-voters-citizenship\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> in order to force state officials to set aside the ballots already mailed to over 20,000 registered voters — individuals that the Trump administration claimed are not actually eligible citizens.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the state’s top elections official, said in a letter that she will review any evidence from the federal government that proves certain voters are not citizens.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the state’s top elections official, said in a letter that she will review any evidence from the federal government that proves certain voters are not citizens.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians — or order any county elections official to do so — based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens,” she added.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians — or order any county elections official to do so — based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens,” she added.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Has there been an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Has there been an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Has there been an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">reached out\u003c/a> to immigration advocates and rapid response networks across the state to confirm if they were seeing a surge in ICE operations in the wake of the Central Valley arrests and the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em>’s claims.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>KQED \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">reached out\u003c/a> to immigration advocates and rapid response networks across the state to confirm if they were seeing a surge in ICE operations in the wake of the Central Valley arrests and the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em>’s claims.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are definitely on the alert and preparing in case of increased ICE activity or large-scale raids in our region,” said Lourdes Martínez, co-director of the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership, the county’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050971/meet-the-community-members-behind-santa-clara-countys-ice-rapid-response-network\">rapid response network\u003c/a>. “We have not been able to verify any specifics, so we are monitoring the situation.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We are definitely on the alert and preparing in case of increased ICE activity or large-scale raids in our region,” said Lourdes Martínez, co-director of the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership, the county’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050971/meet-the-community-members-behind-santa-clara-countys-ice-rapid-response-network\">rapid response network\u003c/a>. “We have not been able to verify any specifics, so we are monitoring the situation.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She added that lawyers are preparing in case large-scale raids do materialize. Outreach workers are also sharing an \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACILEP-Safety-Planning-Checklist-for-Families-2026-9a7f4962.pdf\">“Emergency Planning Checklist for Families”\u003c/a> to help immigrants prepare, said Martínez, in case a family member is arrested.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She added that lawyers are preparing in case large-scale raids do materialize. Outreach workers are also sharing an \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACILEP-Safety-Planning-Checklist-for-Families-2026-9a7f4962.pdf\">“Emergency Planning Checklist for Families”\u003c/a> to help immigrants prepare, said Martínez, in case a family member is arrested.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098459\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents walk a detainee out of the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura, California, on July 27, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098459\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents walk a detainee out of the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura, California, on July 27, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Other groups in the Bay Area that monitor ICE activity have told KQED they haven’t yet seen a major surge, but confirmed that rumors about “Operation California” \u003cem>have \u003c/em>circulated widely in their communities.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Other groups in the Bay Area that monitor ICE activity have told KQED they haven’t yet seen a major surge, but confirmed that rumors about “Operation California” \u003cem>have \u003c/em>circulated widely in their communities.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Meanwhile in the Central Valley, state Sen. Anna Caballero — who represents parts of Fresno and Merced — said she had heard of an estimated 60 arrests last week within the communities she represents.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Meanwhile in the Central Valley, state Sen. Anna Caballero — who represents parts of Fresno and Merced — said she had heard of an estimated 60 arrests last week within the communities she represents.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The facility in downtown Fresno is having trouble processing” this amount of detainees, Caballero’s spokesperson Elisa Rivera told KQED in an email. “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084687/like-an-angel-meet-the-helpers-working-at-bay-area-immigration-court\">Legal observers\u003c/a> are having little success gaining access.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The facility in downtown Fresno is having trouble processing” this amount of detainees, Caballero’s spokesperson Elisa Rivera told KQED in an email. “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084687/like-an-angel-meet-the-helpers-working-at-bay-area-immigration-court\">Legal observers\u003c/a> are having little success gaining access.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What does the law say about ICE agents at polling locations?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ice-agents\">What does the law say about ICE agents at polling locations?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ice-agents\">What does the law say about ICE agents at polling locations?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Earlier this year, California lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb884\">approved stronger restrictions\u003c/a> on how law enforcement officers can conduct arrests during an election.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Earlier this year, California lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb884\">approved stronger restrictions\u003c/a> on how law enforcement officers can conduct arrests during an election.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SB 884 prohibits law enforcement — a category which includes federal agents like ICE but also state and local officers — from making arrests within 200 feet of a polling place on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>SB 884 prohibits law enforcement — a category which includes federal agents like ICE but also state and local officers — from making arrests within 200 feet of a polling place on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The law does specify an exception: Arrests can still be made within the 200 feet “buffer zone” for crimes “related to disrupting the operation of the polling place, a crime against a person, or a crime against property.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The law does specify an exception: Arrests can still be made within the 200 feet “buffer zone” for crimes “related to disrupting the operation of the polling place, a crime against a person, or a crime against property.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Nov. 4, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Nov. 4, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We know that it can be a form of intimidation if folks are going to vote in person and see law enforcement there,” said Angélica Salceda, with the ACLU of Northern California.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We know that it can be a form of intimidation if folks are going to vote in person and see law enforcement there,” said Angélica Salceda, with the ACLU of Northern California.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We all have a right to be able to cast our ballot free from coercion or intimidation,” she added. “We have the right for that vote to be secret. We don’t have to answer any questions about who we voted for if we don’t want to.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We all have a right to be able to cast our ballot free from coercion or intimidation,” she added. “We have the right for that vote to be secret. We don’t have to answer any questions about who we voted for if we don’t want to.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If county officials determine that voting was disrupted at a polling place because law enforcement violated this law, they can extend the time voters have to turn in their ballots beyond the usual poll closing time of 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If county officials determine that voting was disrupted at a polling place because law enforcement violated this law, they can extend the time voters have to turn in their ballots beyond the usual poll closing time of 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"label": "2026 California Voter Guide",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>However, SB 884 specifies that the buffer zone only applies on Election Day — Nov. 3 of this year. There is no mention of these restrictions being effective on the weeks leading up to Election Day, when many voters go to their county election office or early voting center to turn in their ballots.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>However, SB 884 specifies that the buffer zone only applies on Election Day — Nov. 3 of this year. There is no mention of these restrictions being effective on the weeks leading up to Election Day, when many voters go to their county election office or early voting center to turn in their ballots.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Salceda points out that there are also other ways to vote, including mailing in your ballot by Nov. 3 or placing it in an official county drop box. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Salceda points out that there are also other ways to vote, including mailing in your ballot by Nov. 3 or placing it in an official county drop box. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Trump administration has tried to change the rules around voting by mail, but these efforts were \u003ca href=\"https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/u-s-supreme-court-blocks-postal-service-from-restricting-mail-ballots\">blocked earlier\u003c/a> this year by the Supreme Court.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Trump administration has tried to change the rules around voting by mail, but these efforts were \u003ca href=\"https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/u-s-supreme-court-blocks-postal-service-from-restricting-mail-ballots\">blocked earlier\u003c/a> this year by the Supreme Court.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Armed law enforcement aren’t the only ones capable of voter intimidation, added Salceda. “We’re talking about situations where someone would want to drop their ballot at the dropbox and someone is there harassing or intimidating people,” she said. “Those are unlawful actions that should be reported.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Armed law enforcement aren’t the only ones capable of voter intimidation, added Salceda. “We’re talking about situations where someone would want to drop their ballot at the dropbox and someone is there harassing or intimidating people,” she said. “Those are unlawful actions that should be reported.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California’s secretary of state has \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/contact\">a hotline available\u003c/a> in multiple languages where residents can report incidents that may violate electoral law.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>California’s secretary of state has \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/contact\">a hotline available\u003c/a> in multiple languages where residents can report incidents that may violate electoral law.\u003c/p>\n"
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"English: 800-345-VOTE (8683) ",
"Spanish: 800-232-VOTA (8682)",
"Chinese: 800-339-2857 ",
"Hindi: 888-345-2692",
"Tagalog: 800-339-2957"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>English: 800-345-VOTE (8683) \u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Spanish: 800-232-VOTA (8682)\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/tychehendricks\">\u003cem>Tyche Hendricks \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/lfitzgerald\">\u003cem>Laura Fitzgerald\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "With midterm elections less than three weeks away and reports of an immigration enforcement surge in California, immigrant communities are bracing for a potentially heightened ICE presence — and are concerned about their safety at the polls.",
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"title": "An ICE Surge in California Ahead of the Midterms? Here’s What We Know | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>With just a few weeks until the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">Nov. 3 midterm elections\u003c/a>, concerns — and rumors — about operations by U.S. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/immigration\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement\u003c/a> are once again spreading among immigrant communities in California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Advocates have confirmed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">a wave\u003c/a> of immigration arrests across the Central Valley this month, with more than 100 farmworkers and other people detained since Monday. And while Bay Area groups that monitor ICE activity have not seen a similar surge in the region, elected officials and community groups have expressed concern that the fear of immigration raids could discourage even eligible citizens from voting on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We know what Republicans are trying to do — intimidate Latino citizens so they stay at home and don’t exercise their right to vote,” East Bay Rep. Lateefah Simon told KQED in an emailed statement.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12068706\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/01/241202-NewBayAreaCongressmembers-05-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Lateefah Simon, Congresswoman-elect for California’s 12th congressional district, speaks with KQED politics reporter Scott Shafer at KQED’s offices in San Francisco on Dec. 2, 2024. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Whenever there’s been a confirmed, major ICE operation in California, local businesses in majority Latino neighborhoods \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050993/a-day-in-the-life-of-san-joses-rapid-response-network-built-to-resist-ice-fear\">struggle\u003c/a>, schools \u003ca href=\"https://siepr.stanford.edu/news/student-absences-increased-under-threat-deportation-efforts-study-finds\">see more absences\u003c/a>, and immigrant families even postpone \u003ca href=\"https://cssp.org/resource/through-their-eyes-immigration-enforcement-health-wellbeing-children-families/\">going to the doctor\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If people hear the rumors that ICE is present, then right away the community lets itself know: ‘We need to stay home’,” said Jacob Sandoval, director of the California chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump to: \u003ca href=\"#ice-agents\">What does the law say about law enforcement at polling booths?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement released solely in Spanish on Oct. 9, Gov. Gavin Newsom acknowledged an increase in reports of federal immigration enforcement in California. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But he urged state residents to know their rights, adding that “Donald Trump uses fear as a weapon — putting families in danger, weakening trust and terrifying communities.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what we know so far about immigration enforcement in California in the run-up to the midterm election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How reports and rumors are fueling anxieties ahead of the midterms\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>An article published earlier this month by the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em> stated that ICE had launched a 45-day operation across California to arrest all immigrants without legal status. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Several \u003ca href=\"https://newrepublic.com/post/216405/ice-terrifying-marching-orders-california\">other publications\u003c/a> picked up the story and within days, dozens of posts warning about what ICE was allegedly calling “Operation Safe California” circulated on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The original reporting only quotes two unnamed sources and pointed to San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego as the three main targets of ICE’s apparent surge. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This move, the story suggested, was part of a strategy by the White House to focus immigration enforcement on California ahead of the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">Nov. 3 elections\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Noting the proximity to the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide\">midterm elections\u003c/a>, the story said: “the decision to focus ICE resources throughout the sanctuary state is the latest effort by the Trump administration to unleash ICE in a blue state following surges to Minnesota, Illinois, New York, and Oregon.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement to KQED, the Department of Homeland Security said that “for operational security and the safety of our officers, ICE will not disclose or discuss law enforcement operations.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Every day, DHS enforces the laws of the nation across the country including in California,” a spokesperson wrote via email. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Back in January, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12071704/ice-super-bowl-immigration-enforcement-santa-clara-san-francisco-bay-area-2026\">similar rumors\u003c/a> about possible ICE activity at Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara spread across the Bay Area in the run-up to the event — rumors which DHS similarly refused to confirm or deny following KQED’s queries. (Ultimately, no mass immigration enforcement materialized at the event.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Voting fears among even citizens\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A recent investigation \u003ca href=\"https://projects.propublica.org/american-citizens-detained-dhs-civil-rights/\">by ProPublica\u003c/a> found that immigration enforcement agents have detained more than 500 U.S. citizens during the second Trump administration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And LULAC’s Sandoval emphasized that fears about increased ICE activity can also impact mixed-status families — where some relatives are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, while others have no legal status. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Families might not feel comfortable with their loved ones going to the polls, even if they’re U.S. citizens,” Sandoval said. “We don’t want law enforcement or ICE around polling places where people might feel intimidated.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2285787606-scaled-e1791586238561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091600\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>When it comes to citizenship and voter eligibility, California is already fighting a separate legal battle with the federal government ahead of the midterms. On Thursday, the Department of Justice \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104425/california-officials-denounce-trump-dojs-demands-to-prove-voters-citizenship\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> in order to force state officials to set aside the ballots already mailed to over 20,000 registered voters — individuals that the Trump administration claimed are not actually eligible citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, the state’s top elections official, said in a letter that she will review any evidence from the federal government that proves certain voters are not citizens.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians — or order any county elections official to do so — based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens,” she added.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Has there been an immigration enforcement surge in the Bay Area?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103799/bay-area-officials-immigration-advocates-brace-for-ice-surge-after-central-valley-arrests\">reached out\u003c/a> to immigration advocates and rapid response networks across the state to confirm if they were seeing a surge in ICE operations in the wake of the Central Valley arrests and the \u003cem>Washington Examiner\u003c/em>’s claims.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are definitely on the alert and preparing in case of increased ICE activity or large-scale raids in our region,” said Lourdes Martínez, co-director of the Alameda County Immigration Legal and Education Partnership, the county’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050971/meet-the-community-members-behind-santa-clara-countys-ice-rapid-response-network\">rapid response network\u003c/a>. “We have not been able to verify any specifics, so we are monitoring the situation.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She added that lawyers are preparing in case large-scale raids do materialize. Outreach workers are also sharing an \u003ca href=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACILEP-Safety-Planning-Checklist-for-Families-2026-9a7f4962.pdf\">“Emergency Planning Checklist for Families”\u003c/a> to help immigrants prepare, said Martínez, in case a family member is arrested.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098459\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/ICE-Arrests-CA-Getty2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents walk a detainee out of the Ventura County Government Center in Ventura, California, on July 27, 2026. (Blake Fagan/AFP via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Other groups in the Bay Area that monitor ICE activity have told KQED they haven’t yet seen a major surge, but confirmed that rumors about “Operation California” \u003cem>have \u003c/em>circulated widely in their communities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Meanwhile in the Central Valley, state Sen. Anna Caballero — who represents parts of Fresno and Merced — said she had heard of an estimated 60 arrests last week within the communities she represents.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The facility in downtown Fresno is having trouble processing” this amount of detainees, Caballero’s spokesperson Elisa Rivera told KQED in an email. “\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12084687/like-an-angel-meet-the-helpers-working-at-bay-area-immigration-court\">Legal observers\u003c/a> are having little success gaining access.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ice-agents\">What does the law say about ICE agents at polling locations?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Earlier this year, California lawmakers \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb884\">approved stronger restrictions\u003c/a> on how law enforcement officers can conduct arrests during an election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>SB 884 prohibits law enforcement — a category which includes federal agents like ICE but also state and local officers — from making arrests within 200 feet of a polling place on Election Day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The law does specify an exception: Arrests can still be made within the 200 feet “buffer zone” for crimes “related to disrupting the operation of the polling place, a crime against a person, or a crime against property.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12088632\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/251104-SCCVOTE-JG-05_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Edgardo Domingo fills out a ballot at a voting booth at the Vietnamese American Cultural Center in San José on Nov. 4, 2025. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We know that it can be a form of intimidation if folks are going to vote in person and see law enforcement there,” said Angélica Salceda, with the ACLU of Northern California.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We all have a right to be able to cast our ballot free from coercion or intimidation,” she added. “We have the right for that vote to be secret. We don’t have to answer any questions about who we voted for if we don’t want to.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If county officials determine that voting was disrupted at a polling place because law enforcement violated this law, they can extend the time voters have to turn in their ballots beyond the usual poll closing time of 8 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, SB 884 specifies that the buffer zone only applies on Election Day — Nov. 3 of this year. There is no mention of these restrictions being effective on the weeks leading up to Election Day, when many voters go to their county election office or early voting center to turn in their ballots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Salceda points out that there are also other ways to vote, including mailing in your ballot by Nov. 3 or placing it in an official county drop box. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Trump administration has tried to change the rules around voting by mail, but these efforts were \u003ca href=\"https://www.aclu.org/press-releases/u-s-supreme-court-blocks-postal-service-from-restricting-mail-ballots\">blocked earlier\u003c/a> this year by the Supreme Court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Armed law enforcement aren’t the only ones capable of voter intimidation, added Salceda. “We’re talking about situations where someone would want to drop their ballot at the dropbox and someone is there harassing or intimidating people,” she said. “Those are unlawful actions that should be reported.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California’s secretary of state has \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/contact\">a hotline available\u003c/a> in multiple languages where residents can report incidents that may violate electoral law.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>English: 800-345-VOTE (8683) \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Spanish: 800-232-VOTA (8682)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Chinese: 800-339-2857 \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Hindi: 888-345-2692\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Tagalog: 800-339-2957\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/tychehendricks\">\u003cem>Tyche Hendricks \u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>and \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/lfitzgerald\">\u003cem>Laura Fitzgerald\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "as-san-jose-tries-to-regulate-data-centers-residents-want-to-ban-them",
"title": "As San José Tries to Regulate Data Centers, Residents Want to Ban Them",
"publishDate": 1792180322,
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"headTitle": "As San José Tries to Regulate Data Centers, Residents Want to Ban Them | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>As San José officials rolled out new proposed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099195/full-on-backlash-against-data-centers-occurring-as-san-jose-courts-them\">data center development standards\u003c/a>, moving one step closer to enshrining them, residents and environmental advocates staged rallies and packed City Hall demanding an outright moratorium on the power-hungry facilities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During a community meeting on Thursday night, high-ranking city staff members proffered new rules and requirements for future data centers such as requiring recycled water use, aesthetic design enhancements, sound dampeners, limits on backup generator runtime for testing and maintenance, and developer fees for affordable housing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the city garnered commendations for its proposals from business groups and union laborers who build data centers, community groups and residents from around San José called for a pause on all data center approvals and applications, saying the standards don’t do enough to protect people from risks of air and water pollution, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/30/climate/data-centers-are-having-an-underrported\">increased local temperatures\u003c/a> and constant noise. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The very least that we could expect is that our government, which is funded by our tax dollars and led by people who we elected to serve us, does not blindly follow corporations and billionaires into the unknown,” Kylie Clark, policy director at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, said during a rally before the meeting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104842\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kylie Clark of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits speaks during a rally ahead of a community meeting about data centers at San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“These decisions are not reversible. They will define our city for generations to come. So our question is, what is the rush? Why in the world wouldn’t we take our time, understand the impacts, and get it right?” Clark said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While other Bay Area cities including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099583/san-francisco-supervisors-push-for-moratorium-on-new-data-centers\">San Francisco\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097506/oakland-residents-continue-push-against-data-centers\">Oakland\u003c/a>, Richmond, Gilroy and Oakley have passed temporary moratoriums on data centers out of concern about health and environmental impacts, and to give city officials time to plan out codes and regulations, San José has continued a policy of courting data center developers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mayor Matt Mahan, who attended part of Thursday evening’s meeting, has said previously the city should lead the way in helping shape how such significant investments benefit municipalities, and has likened an outright ban on data center development to burying “our heads in the sand.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He pledged in an interview last month that the city would set some of the “highest, strictest standards in every category of concern we’ve heard” from residents. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>City officials, including Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda, who oversees the city’s energy and environmental services work, reiterated Thursday that the City Council has not directed staff to work toward a moratorium, despite public calls to do so.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, the city is pushing ahead with a process that began in August to hold community meetings and accept feedback from residents to help craft new rules around data center development, monitoring and requirements for ensuring such projects help support affordable housing fees. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Long before responding to concerns from residents by ramping up this public input process, however, San José had established dedicated staffing to attract data centers, inked a power reliability \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12049830/san-jose-and-pge-strike-deal-to-attract-data-centers-to-south-bay\">agreement with PG&E\u003c/a>, and offered “concierge-style support” to data center developers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are still listening as we continue to develop those standards, to make them the best standards possible,” Pineda said Thursday at the meeting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The city’s proposed standards include requirements that data centers use recycled water for cooling the intensive heat put off by racks of processors and servers, or use low-water systems that use air or “closed-loop” design. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Data centers would need to use completely carbon-neutral electricity, limit the time their backup generators are run for testing or maintenance to only 25 hours per year, as opposed to state rules of 50 hours annually, and must regularly report their water and electricity usage to the city, with third-party verification every five years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San José Mayor Matt Mahan watches a community meeting about data center development standards inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>San José’s proposed standards also could require sewer discharge and noise monitoring, and would expand the radius for who receives mailed notification cards about a possible data center project to 1,500 feet, from the current maximum of 1,000 feet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the meeting, and at rallies before and after outside City Hall, residents expressed outright distrust of city leadership and staff, saying the public engagement process has felt rushed and has resulted in proposed standards that some characterized as weak or a giveaway to AI data center developers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some residents also asked for a moratorium because the limited regulatory reach of the city will not be able to encompass broader concerns stemming from data center development, like the unknown cumulative impacts of having too many in one area, the risk of groundwater pollution from harsh chemicals used in some cooling processes, and even the potential for security risk, citing Ukraine and Russia ramping up attacks on each other’s data centers this week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ted Smith, a longtime resident of San José, helped lead the charge for a right-to-know ordinance in the 1980s after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11630861/how-silicon-valley-industry-polluted-the-sylvan-california-dream\">semiconductor industry’s\u003c/a> unrestrained growth led to mass pollution in the county due to mismanaged solvents used in chipmaking, all while leaders of companies like Fairchild and Intel said their industry was a clean one. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104844\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man holds up signs during a rally by people demanding a halt to data center development outside of San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104839\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104839\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees listen during a community meeting about data center development standards inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104838\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104838\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thurston Brevett, of San José, speaks to city officials about his concerns with data centers during a community meeting inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Mayor Janet Gray Hayes, at the time, said she was horn-swoggled by the fact that they didn’t understand what was going on. I’m afraid we’re walking right back into that same trap,” Smith told city officials. “I see your standards here; I think you could drive a truck through a lot of those in terms of what they can put over on you.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shaf Khan, another resident, agreed, saying they were worried history would repeat itself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I live in an area with three data centers already. I’d like to know the impacts of those over a long period of time, especially on young and developing children and expecting parents before we move on with making more,” Khan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bob Staedler, a longtime San José land use consultant, said in an interview that the city is being too “chummy” with data center developers, and has tools at its disposal if it wanted to more closely restrict how many are allowed in any one area, such as how it recently put a moratorium on all new \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12063060/san-jose-is-cracking-down-on-smoke-shops-and-sales-of-nitrous-oxide-whip-its\">smoke shops\u003c/a> through late 2027 due to concerns about overconcentration. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104843\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Misrayn Mendoza of community group Amigos de Guadalupe speaks during a rally calling for a data center moratorium outside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“This just seems to just be ignoring the huge issues of our time, where you’ve got things like cumulative concentration,” Staedler said of the proposed data center standards. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We spend more time worrying about weed shops and alcohol and smoke shops than we are going to do with data centers,” Staedler said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the city’s standards would regulate how often diesel or natural gas backup generators can be run for testing and maintenance, they would not apply during a power outage, one of the primary concerns from residents. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What happens when there’s a heat wave, as we are constantly experiencing year after year,” Ellina Yin, who closely tracks data center development in the city, said at a rally she helped organize before the meeting. “What happens when the power goes out and all of the generators kick on?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During a community meeting on Thursday night, high-ranking city staff members proffered new rules and requirements for future data centers such as requiring recycled water use, aesthetic design enhancements, sound dampeners, limits on backup generator runtime for testing and maintenance, and developer fees for affordable housing. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the city garnered commendations for its proposals from business groups and union laborers who build data centers, community groups and residents from around San José called for a pause on all data center approvals and applications, saying the standards don’t do enough to protect people from risks of air and water pollution, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/30/climate/data-centers-are-having-an-underrported\">increased local temperatures\u003c/a> and constant noise. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While the city garnered commendations for its proposals from business groups and union laborers who build data centers, community groups and residents from around San José called for a pause on all data center approvals and applications, saying the standards don’t do enough to protect people from risks of air and water pollution, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/30/climate/data-centers-are-having-an-underrported\">increased local temperatures\u003c/a> and constant noise. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The very least that we could expect is that our government, which is funded by our tax dollars and led by people who we elected to serve us, does not blindly follow corporations and billionaires into the unknown,” Kylie Clark, policy director at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, said during a rally before the meeting. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mayor Matt Mahan, who attended part of Thursday evening’s meeting, has said previously the city should lead the way in helping shape how such significant investments benefit municipalities, and has likened an outright ban on data center development to burying “our heads in the sand.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>City officials, including Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda, who oversees the city’s energy and environmental services work, reiterated Thursday that the City Council has not directed staff to work toward a moratorium, despite public calls to do so.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Instead, the city is pushing ahead with a process that began in August to hold community meetings and accept feedback from residents to help craft new rules around data center development, monitoring and requirements for ensuring such projects help support affordable housing fees. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Long before responding to concerns from residents by ramping up this public input process, however, San José had established dedicated staffing to attract data centers, inked a power reliability \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12049830/san-jose-and-pge-strike-deal-to-attract-data-centers-to-south-bay\">agreement with PG&E\u003c/a>, and offered “concierge-style support” to data center developers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are still listening as we continue to develop those standards, to make them the best standards possible,” Pineda said Thursday at the meeting. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The city’s proposed standards include requirements that data centers use recycled water for cooling the intensive heat put off by racks of processors and servers, or use low-water systems that use air or “closed-loop” design. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The city’s proposed standards include requirements that data centers use recycled water for cooling the intensive heat put off by racks of processors and servers, or use low-water systems that use air or “closed-loop” design. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Data centers would need to use completely carbon-neutral electricity, limit the time their backup generators are run for testing or maintenance to only 25 hours per year, as opposed to state rules of 50 hours annually, and must regularly report their water and electricity usage to the city, with third-party verification every five years. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San José Mayor Matt Mahan watches a community meeting about data center development standards inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San José’s proposed standards also could require sewer discharge and noise monitoring, and would expand the radius for who receives mailed notification cards about a possible data center project to 1,500 feet, from the current maximum of 1,000 feet. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During the meeting, and at rallies before and after outside City Hall, residents expressed outright distrust of city leadership and staff, saying the public engagement process has felt rushed and has resulted in proposed standards that some characterized as weak or a giveaway to AI data center developers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some residents also asked for a moratorium because the limited regulatory reach of the city will not be able to encompass broader concerns stemming from data center development, like the unknown cumulative impacts of having too many in one area, the risk of groundwater pollution from harsh chemicals used in some cooling processes, and even the potential for security risk, citing Ukraine and Russia ramping up attacks on each other’s data centers this week. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Ted Smith, a longtime resident of San José, helped lead the charge for a right-to-know ordinance in the 1980s after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11630861/how-silicon-valley-industry-polluted-the-sylvan-california-dream\">semiconductor industry’s\u003c/a> unrestrained growth led to mass pollution in the county due to mismanaged solvents used in chipmaking, all while leaders of companies like Fairchild and Intel said their industry was a clean one. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104838\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thurston Brevett, of San José, speaks to city officials about his concerns with data centers during a community meeting inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104838\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thurston Brevett, of San José, speaks to city officials about his concerns with data centers during a community meeting inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Mayor Janet Gray Hayes, at the time, said she was horn-swoggled by the fact that they didn’t understand what was going on. I’m afraid we’re walking right back into that same trap,” Smith told city officials. “I see your standards here; I think you could drive a truck through a lot of those in terms of what they can put over on you.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shaf Khan, another resident, agreed, saying they were worried history would repeat itself. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I live in an area with three data centers already. I’d like to know the impacts of those over a long period of time, especially on young and developing children and expecting parents before we move on with making more,” Khan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bob Staedler, a longtime San José land use consultant, said in an interview that the city is being too “chummy” with data center developers, and has tools at its disposal if it wanted to more closely restrict how many are allowed in any one area, such as how it recently put a moratorium on all new \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12063060/san-jose-is-cracking-down-on-smoke-shops-and-sales-of-nitrous-oxide-whip-its\">smoke shops\u003c/a> through late 2027 due to concerns about overconcentration. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bob Staedler, a longtime San José land use consultant, said in an interview that the city is being too “chummy” with data center developers, and has tools at its disposal if it wanted to more closely restrict how many are allowed in any one area, such as how it recently put a moratorium on all new \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12063060/san-jose-is-cracking-down-on-smoke-shops-and-sales-of-nitrous-oxide-whip-its\">smoke shops\u003c/a> through late 2027 due to concerns about overconcentration. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104843\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Misrayn Mendoza of community group Amigos de Guadalupe speaks during a rally calling for a data center moratorium outside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This just seems to just be ignoring the huge issues of our time, where you’ve got things like cumulative concentration,” Staedler said of the proposed data center standards. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We spend more time worrying about weed shops and alcohol and smoke shops than we are going to do with data centers,” Staedler said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While the city’s standards would regulate how often diesel or natural gas backup generators can be run for testing and maintenance, they would not apply during a power outage, one of the primary concerns from residents. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What happens when there’s a heat wave, as we are constantly experiencing year after year,” Ellina Yin, who closely tracks data center development in the city, said at a rally she helped organize before the meeting. “What happens when the power goes out and all of the generators kick on?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>As San José officials rolled out new proposed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099195/full-on-backlash-against-data-centers-occurring-as-san-jose-courts-them\">data center development standards\u003c/a>, moving one step closer to enshrining them, residents and environmental advocates staged rallies and packed City Hall demanding an outright moratorium on the power-hungry facilities.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During a community meeting on Thursday night, high-ranking city staff members proffered new rules and requirements for future data centers such as requiring recycled water use, aesthetic design enhancements, sound dampeners, limits on backup generator runtime for testing and maintenance, and developer fees for affordable housing. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the city garnered commendations for its proposals from business groups and union laborers who build data centers, community groups and residents from around San José called for a pause on all data center approvals and applications, saying the standards don’t do enough to protect people from risks of air and water pollution, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnn.com/2026/03/30/climate/data-centers-are-having-an-underrported\">increased local temperatures\u003c/a> and constant noise. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The very least that we could expect is that our government, which is funded by our tax dollars and led by people who we elected to serve us, does not blindly follow corporations and billionaires into the unknown,” Kylie Clark, policy director at the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits, said during a rally before the meeting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104842\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-7-KQED-e20fe58e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kylie Clark of the Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits speaks during a rally ahead of a community meeting about data centers at San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“These decisions are not reversible. They will define our city for generations to come. So our question is, what is the rush? Why in the world wouldn’t we take our time, understand the impacts, and get it right?” Clark said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While other Bay Area cities including \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12099583/san-francisco-supervisors-push-for-moratorium-on-new-data-centers\">San Francisco\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097506/oakland-residents-continue-push-against-data-centers\">Oakland\u003c/a>, Richmond, Gilroy and Oakley have passed temporary moratoriums on data centers out of concern about health and environmental impacts, and to give city officials time to plan out codes and regulations, San José has continued a policy of courting data center developers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mayor Matt Mahan, who attended part of Thursday evening’s meeting, has said previously the city should lead the way in helping shape how such significant investments benefit municipalities, and has likened an outright ban on data center development to burying “our heads in the sand.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He pledged in an interview last month that the city would set some of the “highest, strictest standards in every category of concern we’ve heard” from residents. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>City officials, including Deputy City Manager Manuel Pineda, who oversees the city’s energy and environmental services work, reiterated Thursday that the City Council has not directed staff to work toward a moratorium, despite public calls to do so.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Instead, the city is pushing ahead with a process that began in August to hold community meetings and accept feedback from residents to help craft new rules around data center development, monitoring and requirements for ensuring such projects help support affordable housing fees. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Long before responding to concerns from residents by ramping up this public input process, however, San José had established dedicated staffing to attract data centers, inked a power reliability \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12049830/san-jose-and-pge-strike-deal-to-attract-data-centers-to-south-bay\">agreement with PG&E\u003c/a>, and offered “concierge-style support” to data center developers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are still listening as we continue to develop those standards, to make them the best standards possible,” Pineda said Thursday at the meeting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The city’s proposed standards include requirements that data centers use recycled water for cooling the intensive heat put off by racks of processors and servers, or use low-water systems that use air or “closed-loop” design. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Data centers would need to use completely carbon-neutral electricity, limit the time their backup generators are run for testing or maintenance to only 25 hours per year, as opposed to state rules of 50 hours annually, and must regularly report their water and electricity usage to the city, with third-party verification every five years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104840\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-3-KQED-760c7631-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San José Mayor Matt Mahan watches a community meeting about data center development standards inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>San José’s proposed standards also could require sewer discharge and noise monitoring, and would expand the radius for who receives mailed notification cards about a possible data center project to 1,500 feet, from the current maximum of 1,000 feet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the meeting, and at rallies before and after outside City Hall, residents expressed outright distrust of city leadership and staff, saying the public engagement process has felt rushed and has resulted in proposed standards that some characterized as weak or a giveaway to AI data center developers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Some residents also asked for a moratorium because the limited regulatory reach of the city will not be able to encompass broader concerns stemming from data center development, like the unknown cumulative impacts of having too many in one area, the risk of groundwater pollution from harsh chemicals used in some cooling processes, and even the potential for security risk, citing Ukraine and Russia ramping up attacks on each other’s data centers this week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Ted Smith, a longtime resident of San José, helped lead the charge for a right-to-know ordinance in the 1980s after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11630861/how-silicon-valley-industry-polluted-the-sylvan-california-dream\">semiconductor industry’s\u003c/a> unrestrained growth led to mass pollution in the county due to mismanaged solvents used in chipmaking, all while leaders of companies like Fairchild and Intel said their industry was a clean one. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104844\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-9-KQED-6d4d94e2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A man holds up signs during a rally by people demanding a halt to data center development outside of San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104839\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104839\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-2-KQED-6a0c332c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Attendees listen during a community meeting about data center development standards inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104838\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104838\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-1-KQED-4189affe-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Thurston Brevett, of San José, speaks to city officials about his concerns with data centers during a community meeting inside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Mayor Janet Gray Hayes, at the time, said she was horn-swoggled by the fact that they didn’t understand what was going on. I’m afraid we’re walking right back into that same trap,” Smith told city officials. “I see your standards here; I think you could drive a truck through a lot of those in terms of what they can put over on you.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Shaf Khan, another resident, agreed, saying they were worried history would repeat itself. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I live in an area with three data centers already. I’d like to know the impacts of those over a long period of time, especially on young and developing children and expecting parents before we move on with making more,” Khan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bob Staedler, a longtime San José land use consultant, said in an interview that the city is being too “chummy” with data center developers, and has tools at its disposal if it wanted to more closely restrict how many are allowed in any one area, such as how it recently put a moratorium on all new \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12063060/san-jose-is-cracking-down-on-smoke-shops-and-sales-of-nitrous-oxide-whip-its\">smoke shops\u003c/a> through late 2027 due to concerns about overconcentration. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104843\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261015-DATACENTERMEET-JG-8-KQED-66ac0646-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Misrayn Mendoza of community group Amigos de Guadalupe speaks during a rally calling for a data center moratorium outside San José City Hall on Oct. 15, 2026. (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“This just seems to just be ignoring the huge issues of our time, where you’ve got things like cumulative concentration,” Staedler said of the proposed data center standards. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We spend more time worrying about weed shops and alcohol and smoke shops than we are going to do with data centers,” Staedler said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While the city’s standards would regulate how often diesel or natural gas backup generators can be run for testing and maintenance, they would not apply during a power outage, one of the primary concerns from residents. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What happens when there’s a heat wave, as we are constantly experiencing year after year,” Ellina Yin, who closely tracks data center development in the city, said at a rally she helped organize before the meeting. “What happens when the power goes out and all of the generators kick on?”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "going-to-cheer-for-the-valkyries-this-saturday-stop-by-boohalla",
"title": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’",
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"headTitle": "Going to Cheer for the Valkyries This Saturday? Stop by ‘Boohalla’ | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104690\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" data-id=\"12104679\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104686\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>At the intersection of Third Avenue and Clement Street in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-francisco\">San Francisco\u003c/a>’s Inner Richmond, there stands a perfect encapsulation of how this reporter’s October is going: A Halloween-themed Valkyries installation, fittingly titled \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>At Boohalla — an adorable spin on “Ballhalla,” which is what the Chase Center becomes for Valkyries fans during games — you can find skeletons donning signature purple and lavender, a giant roster chalk fun of chilling puns (forward Gabby Williams is now “G. Wicked Williams,” Kaitlyn Chen is “K. Chensaw”) and a graveyard memorializing women’s basketball teams that have lost on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">the Valkyries’ road to the finals\u003c/a>, which are starting this Saturday against the Atlanta Dream. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And, of course, one cannot forget Natalie Na-Cauldron, a skeleton rocking a black tracksuit and long dark hair, reminiscent of Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase, off to the corner, drawing a game plan. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104681\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-5-KQED-21607af1-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bay Area couple Sarah Swig, left, and Ainsley Rossitto, right, who created “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, speak about their creative process and inspiration behind the tribute display at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“Can you tell we’re passionate?” said Sarah Swig, steward of Boohalla. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s become, like, my whole personality,” her wife, Ainsley Rossitto, said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries have made it to the WNBA Finals in their sophomore year as a franchise, rallying a fanbase that has garnered \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">a reputation in the league for its enthusiasm\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Be sure to also check out KQED’s guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104461/ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals\">how to follow the finals and where to watch the game\u003c/a>, including \u003ca href=\"http://google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1yIDpg_Y8ULIO2-IdC2H3wmR9nZeXbl4&femb=1&ll=0%2C0&z=7\">bars in or near the Inner Richmond\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1393\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104689\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-160x111.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-18-KQED-25fa52ab-1536x1070.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A “This is Boohalla” flag hangs in the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“A huge part of the commentary on the Valkyries now making it to the finals is that nobody saw this coming,” Rossitto said. “But I think, for those of us in the Bay Area, we all saw this coming.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig and Rossitto recently bought their home together in the summer, and first set up Boohalla in late September. Known among their friends as the couple that goes all out for Halloween, playoffs gave them the chance to combine their two loves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you step outside, it’s hard to go anywhere in San Francisco without seeing Violet or the logo somewhere,” Rossitto said. “We want to build on that enthusiasm.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Swig saw the installation as “just a manifestation in the real world of all of the pride that we feel.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’re very lucky in that we go to a lot of the games, but not everybody does,” Swig said. “And I feel like we see people come here and they’re taking selfies, they’re bringing their kids … it’s just another way for people to celebrate and be connected with other people.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Natalie said, ‘Ballhalla is everywhere.’ It doesn’t have to be at Chase Center,” she said. “We’re our little corner here, with Boohalla.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The installation changes with each team the Valkyries take on. When this reporter visited, it was still Aces-themed — the team that \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the Valkyries swept during semifinals\u003c/a>. The skeletons are proudly dusting playing cards with a broom.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We did a little bottle service for the skeletons here to celebrate,” Rossitto said. “We have some things rolling out for the Dream very soon.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And with the display come the Valkyries’ fervent fans. Rossitto said that they regularly find people outside their yard, taking pictures and posting on social media.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-5 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104690\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104690\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-19-KQED-9b0e7516-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Bentley, the 12-year-old Maltese Yorkie mix, stands in “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" data-id=\"12104679\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104679\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-1-KQED-5c659068-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Halle Berry, Golden State Valkyries player Gabby Williams’ cat, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-6 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104688\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104688\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-17-KQED-9727889f-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A tombstone with WNBA team logos that the Golden State Valkyries have defeated is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104686\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104686\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-15-KQED-2a3306eb-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A skeleton holding queen and ace cards is exhibited at “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Golden State Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It is especially a hit among kids on their way to school. Two little girls told Swig that they wanted to be Valkyries for Halloween. A young boy, she said, saw the display and rattled off, by heart, all of the teams in the WNBA league. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s really heartwarming,” Swig said. “This fan base is just so positive, and that really stems from the players, from the leadership, from the team … They really cultivated the entire Bay Area.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That diversity is reflected in the fans the couple has met. They said that people have stopped by the house traveling from all over the Bay Area — Santa Rosa to the East Bay to the Peninsula. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104680\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/20261015_BOOHALLAVALKYRIES_GC-3-KQED-7a709b01-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Violet the raven and Golden State Valkyries mascot, part of “Boohalla,” the Halloween-themed Valkyries display, created by couple Ainsley Rossitto and Sarah Swig, is exhibited at their home in San Francisco on Oct. 15, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>“They don’t feel like strangers,” Rossitto said. “You guys are bonded by the same thing, and the fandom, and everybody’s been so friendly … I’d say hundreds of people have come by.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And many of them are hungry for more. The couple has already been asked what they are planning for Christmas. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But they are likely capping the installation at the end of October — which is also the last game of the finals, if the Valkyries and Dream tie. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ll be back next year,” Rossitto said.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Mail-In Ballots Stolen From San Mateo Post Office, Election Officials Say",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>An unknown number of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-mateo-county\">San Mateo County\u003c/a> vote-by-mail ballots were reportedly stolen from a Daly City post office, county election officials said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The county’s Registration and Elections Division said Thursday that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the incident of mail theft — which was reported to county elections officials on Wednesday — that included the ballots. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s unclear how many ballots were affected by the theft. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Elections officials didn’t respond to a request for comment, but Assistant Chief Elections Officer Jim Irizarry \u003ca href=\"https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/theft-from-a-daly-city-post-office-reportedly-included-mail-in-ballots/article_4e644301-2933-4f64-9d57-2588206978de.html\">told the San Mateo Daily Journal\u003c/a> that there didn’t appear to be a reason to assume it was an attempt to intentionally tamper with voting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mail-voting-in-the-us-data-points-to-very-low-fraud-and-significant-benefits-to-voters/\">2025 Brookings study\u003c/a> found that cases of mail voting fraud are “very rare.” Four cases out of 10 million mail-in votes are fraudulent, that research shows. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In June, a little over two dozen ballots in Santa Clara County were found among recovered stolen mail. But federal investigators said it did not seem the perpetrators targeted election-related mail. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If voters are concerned that their ballots have been impacted, the Elections Division said they can request a replacement ballot \u003ca href=\"http://smcacre.gov/elections/request-replacement-ballot\">online\u003c/a> or at a county vote center. Online requests for a replacement must be submitted by Oct. 27. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Only one ballot that each voter submits will be counted. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Each Vote-by-Mail ballot is associated with an individual voter, and ballot processing safeguards prevent duplicate ballots from being counted for the same voter,” the division said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots through the secretary of state’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot\">“Where’s My Ballot” service\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>USPIS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>An unknown number of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-mateo-county\">San Mateo County\u003c/a> vote-by-mail ballots were reportedly stolen from a Daly City post office, county election officials said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>An unknown number of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-mateo-county\">San Mateo County\u003c/a> vote-by-mail ballots were reportedly stolen from a Daly City post office, county election officials said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The county’s Registration and Elections Division said Thursday that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the incident of mail theft — which was reported to county elections officials on Wednesday — that included the ballots. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Elections officials didn’t respond to a request for comment, but Assistant Chief Elections Officer Jim Irizarry \u003ca href=\"https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/theft-from-a-daly-city-post-office-reportedly-included-mail-in-ballots/article_4e644301-2933-4f64-9d57-2588206978de.html\">told the San Mateo Daily Journal\u003c/a> that there didn’t appear to be a reason to assume it was an attempt to intentionally tamper with voting. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mail-voting-in-the-us-data-points-to-very-low-fraud-and-significant-benefits-to-voters/\">2025 Brookings study\u003c/a> found that cases of mail voting fraud are “very rare.” Four cases out of 10 million mail-in votes are fraudulent, that research shows. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In June, a little over two dozen ballots in Santa Clara County were found among recovered stolen mail. But federal investigators said it did not seem the perpetrators targeted election-related mail. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If voters are concerned that their ballots have been impacted, the Elections Division said they can request a replacement ballot \u003ca href=\"http://smcacre.gov/elections/request-replacement-ballot\">online\u003c/a> or at a county vote center. Online requests for a replacement must be submitted by Oct. 27. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If voters are concerned that their ballots have been impacted, the Elections Division said they can request a replacement ballot \u003ca href=\"http://smcacre.gov/elections/request-replacement-ballot\">online\u003c/a> or at a county vote center. Online requests for a replacement must be submitted by Oct. 27. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Only one ballot that each voter submits will be counted. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Each Vote-by-Mail ballot is associated with an individual voter, and ballot processing safeguards prevent duplicate ballots from being counted for the same voter,” the division said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots through the secretary of state’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot\">“Where’s My Ballot” service\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>USPIS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>An unknown number of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-mateo-county\">San Mateo County\u003c/a> vote-by-mail ballots were reportedly stolen from a Daly City post office, county election officials said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The county’s Registration and Elections Division said Thursday that the U.S. Postal Inspection Service is investigating the incident of mail theft — which was reported to county elections officials on Wednesday — that included the ballots. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s unclear how many ballots were affected by the theft. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Elections officials didn’t respond to a request for comment, but Assistant Chief Elections Officer Jim Irizarry \u003ca href=\"https://www.smdailyjournal.com/news/local/theft-from-a-daly-city-post-office-reportedly-included-mail-in-ballots/article_4e644301-2933-4f64-9d57-2588206978de.html\">told the San Mateo Daily Journal\u003c/a> that there didn’t appear to be a reason to assume it was an attempt to intentionally tamper with voting. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A \u003ca href=\"https://www.brookings.edu/articles/mail-voting-in-the-us-data-points-to-very-low-fraud-and-significant-benefits-to-voters/\">2025 Brookings study\u003c/a> found that cases of mail voting fraud are “very rare.” Four cases out of 10 million mail-in votes are fraudulent, that research shows. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In June, a little over two dozen ballots in Santa Clara County were found among recovered stolen mail. But federal investigators said it did not seem the perpetrators targeted election-related mail. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If voters are concerned that their ballots have been impacted, the Elections Division said they can request a replacement ballot \u003ca href=\"http://smcacre.gov/elections/request-replacement-ballot\">online\u003c/a> or at a county vote center. Online requests for a replacement must be submitted by Oct. 27. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Only one ballot that each voter submits will be counted. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Each Vote-by-Mail ballot is associated with an individual voter, and ballot processing safeguards prevent duplicate ballots from being counted for the same voter,” the division said in a statement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots through the secretary of state’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ballot-status/wheres-my-ballot\">“Where’s My Ballot” service\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>USPIS did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the investigation.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "am-i-registered-to-vote-midterms-2026-california-voting-for-governor-check-voter-registration-mail-in-ballots",
"title": "Midterms 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register to Vote Online. What to Do if You Miss It",
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"headTitle": "Midterms 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register to Vote Online. What to Do if You Miss It | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">2026 midterm election\u003c/a> in California is just a few weeks away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you want to vote but haven’t yet registered, you should know: Your last day to do this \u003cem>online \u003c/em>is Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The good news: If you miss that deadline for some reason, you still have several options for registering or re-registering all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3. You’ll just have to do it in person after that Oct. 19 deadline passes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re still waiting on your actual ballot, you can also use\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether it’s been sent out, since counties began mailing these several weeks ago. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you forget to re-register with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before Monday’s Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss Monday’s deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage, not online. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>How to do this: Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 was the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many started several days earlier. This means most people’s ballots have already arrived.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is still missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you want to vote but haven’t yet registered, you should know: Your last day to do this \u003cem>online \u003c/em>is Monday.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The good news: If you miss that deadline for some reason, you still have several options for registering or re-registering all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3. You’ll just have to do it in person after that Oct. 19 deadline passes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n"
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"\n\n",
null,
"\n\n",
null,
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"innerBlocks": [
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"blockName": "core/list-item",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
"blockName": "core/list-item",
"attrs": [],
"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re still waiting on your actual ballot, you can also use\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether it’s been sent out, since counties began mailing these several weeks ago. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re still waiting on your actual ballot, you can also use\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether it’s been sent out, since counties began mailing these several weeks ago. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?",
"level": 2
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If you have moved to a new address within California"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If you have legally changed your name"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. \u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"level": 3,
"text": "If you haven’t voted in a while"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerBlocks": []
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n"
],
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When is my last chance to update my voter registration?",
"level": 2
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
"dropCap": false
},
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you forget to re-register with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you forget to re-register with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry. \u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
"attrs": {
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before Monday’s Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before Monday’s Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n"
],
"innerBlocks": []
},
{
"blockName": "core/image",
"attrs": {
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss Monday’s deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage, not online. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss Monday’s deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage, not online. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>How to do this: Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>How to do this: Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I register to vote for the first time?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n",
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"A United States citizen and a resident of California",
"18 years old or older on Election Day"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\u003c/p>\n"
],
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When will my ballot arrive?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 was the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many started several days earlier. This means most people’s ballots have already arrived.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 was the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many started several days earlier. This means most people’s ballots have already arrived.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is still missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is still missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "How can I contact my county directly about voting?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Alameda: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.",
"Contra Costa: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.",
"Marin: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to send a form email.",
"Napa: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.",
"San Francisco: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.",
"San Mateo: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.",
"Santa Clara: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.",
"Solano: Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.",
"Sonoma: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n"
]
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "How to make sure you’re registered — correctly — to vote in the Nov. 3 state primary election, and your last-minute options all the way until close of polls on Election Day.\n",
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"title": "Midterms 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register to Vote Online. What to Do if You Miss It | KQED",
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"headline": "Midterms 2026: Monday Is Your Last Day to Register to Vote Online. What to Do if You Miss It",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/\">2026 midterm election\u003c/a> in California is just a few weeks away.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you want to vote but haven’t yet registered, you should know: Your last day to do this \u003cem>online \u003c/em>is Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The good news: If you miss that deadline for some reason, you still have several options for registering or re-registering all the way through Election Day itself on Nov. 3. You’ll just have to do it in person after that Oct. 19 deadline passes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Here’s what to know about checking your voter registration and how to make sure election officials have your correct mailing address so your ballot arrives in time. You can also jump straight to:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#first-time\">I want to register to vote for the first time\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#new-address\">What should I do if I’ve moved to a new address or changed my name?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#ballot\">What if I haven’t received my ballot yet?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m almost certain I’m registered to vote … but how can I check?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can check your voter registration status at \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a>, which will show whether you’re registered to vote and the address associated with your registration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your voter registration is active and your address and name are up to date, your ballot should arrive soon. You can use \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> to check when your ballot is mailed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re still waiting on your actual ballot, you can also use\u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\"> the Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether it’s been sent out, since counties began mailing these several weeks ago. We also have a 2025 guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">what to do if your ballot never showed up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"new-address\">What are some reasons I might need to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Updating your voter registration is also known as “reregistering” to vote. That’s because to update elements of your voter record online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>, you’ll need to register to vote \u003cem>again\u003c/em> as if you were making a new application.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As a general rule, you’ll definitely need to reregister if your name or address has changed. But if registering to vote when you know you’re already registered feels weird, don’t worry: This won’t be seen as you trying to fraudulently register to vote twice or anything like that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Because your voter registration is tied to your Social Security number and your driver’s license/state ID card number, your new voter registration will be matched with your \u003cem>existing\u003c/em> voter registration, and your details will be updated.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12089274\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/CaliforniaBallotsSupremeCourtAP-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ballots are sorted the day after California’s primary election at the L.A. County Ballot Processing Center on June 3, 2026, in City of Industry, California. (Jae C. Hong/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There will also be a section on the form where you can provide any previous addresses and names under which you’ve been registered to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you want to change your party preference, you’ll also need to reregister to do that.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For smaller changes, your county may allow you to submit a Voter Action Form by mail or online. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For example, if San Francisco residents want to make minor changes to their voter registration, they can use \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfelections.org/tools/regupdate/regupd.php\">a form from the San Francisco Department of Elections\u003c/a> to determine whether they can do so online. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You should update your voter registration:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have moved to a new address within California\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If your old address is on your voter registration, then your mail-in ballot will automatically be sent to that address — not your new one. Your voter registration will reflect your new address only if you’ve manually updated it or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">if you’ve updated your address with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new address at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state says that you can also send a signed letter to your current county elections official to let them know you’ve moved, along with your date of birth and current address. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Find your Bay Area county elections office’s website and contact details.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you have legally changed your name\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You’ll need to reregister to vote with your new name. One important thing: The secretary of state recommends that, before you do that, you \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">update your California driver’s license or identification card with the DMV \u003cem>first.\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This is because when you register to vote online, your county elections office electronically requests a copy of the signature the DMV currently has for you. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you haven’t updated your signature with the DMV, the signature the agency sends to your county elections office will be the signature for your previous name, not your new one, and your registration will be rejected. \u003ca href=\"https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/driver-licenses-identification-cards/updating-information-on-your-driver-license-or-identification-dl-id-card/\">Read how to update your signature with the DMV.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What if you aren’t able to update your details with the DMV first? The state recommends you select “decline” on the application when asked to use your DMV signature to register to vote — but you’ll have to hit “print” and sign the paper application, which you’ll mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Register to vote with your new name at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">If you haven’t voted in a while\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“In general,” says the Secretary of State’s Office, you’ll stay registered to vote for as long as you remain at the same address associated with your registration — but “\u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/frequently-asked-questions\">there are cases in which voter registration can be canceled\u003c/a> if a voter has not voted in several consecutive general elections.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So if your ballot doesn’t arrive in October, and you suspect it might be because you haven’t voted in many years, contact your county’s elections office ASAP. \u003cstrong>\u003ca href=\"#county\">Jump straight to our list of Bay Area county elections offices.\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is my last chance to update my voter registration?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you forget to re-register with your new address or name, and your ballot is sent out in October to the wrong address or without your current name, don’t worry. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>As long as you update your voter registration online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before Monday’s Oct. 19 deadline, your county will just cancel the ballot that went to your old address and send you a new one.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12094887\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-11_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter casts their ballot at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis on June 2, 2026.\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if things get hectic this month and you miss Monday’s deadline, you can still update your voter registration — you’ll just have to do it in person at that stage, not online. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12082074/california-primary-2026-dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide\">Vote centers will open in most Bay Area counties by Oct. 31. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>How to do this: Go to your county elections office or an open voting location and ask to register in person via Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"first-time\">How can I register to vote for the \u003cem>first \u003c/em>time?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote if you’re:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>A United States citizen and a resident of California\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>18 years old or older on Election Day\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>People who are currently serving a state or federal prison term for a felony conviction cannot vote or register to vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12095121\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/08/20260602_Primary2026CD4_GC-19_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at UC Davis in Davis on June 2, 2026. (Gina Castro/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can register to vote online at \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">registertovote.ca.gov\u003c/a> before the Oct. 19 deadline. After that, you can register to vote in person at your county elections office or an open voting location, where you can register through Same Day Registration (also called conditional registration). You can do this up until polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you’re unhoused or have no fixed address, you can still register to vote by providing a description of the place where you spend most of your time if you don’t have a street address, including cross streets. You can \u003ca href=\"https://registertovote.ca.gov/\">register to vote this way via an online application\u003c/a> before Oct. 19 or on the paper voter registration application you can pick up at any DMV field office, or many post offices, public libraries, government offices or \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices\">your county elections office\u003c/a> by request (where you can also use Same Day Registration in person).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ballot\">When will my ballot arrive?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Every registered voter in California will automatically receive a ballot in the mail.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Oct. 5 was the deadline for Bay Area counties to \u003cem>start\u003c/em> mailing ballots, though many started several days earlier. This means most people’s ballots have already arrived.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/GettyImages-2274165052-scaled-e1778866234143.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12082778\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Election voting materials, including the official voter information guide, sample ballot and an official ballot with return envelope mailed to a Southern California resident ahead of a state primary election on May 5, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Jay L Clendenin/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use both \u003ca href=\"https://voterstatus.sos.ca.gov/\">voterstatus.sos.ca.gov\u003c/a> and the state’s \u003ca href=\"https://california.ballottrax.net/voter/\">Where’s My Ballot?\u003c/a> tool to check whether your ballot has been sent out. And if your ballot is still missing, don’t worry: You have options. \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12060171/ballot-missing-election-2025-hasnt-arrived-yet-replacement\">Read our 2025 guide for what to do if your ballot doesn’t show up.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can use the ballot to cast your vote or you can forget it and request a fresh one at a voting location. The one that arrived in the mail will be canceled.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"county\">How can I contact my county directly about voting?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Across the Bay Area, elections officials are encouraging voters to reach out — early — with any questions or concerns. Here’s the contact information for your county:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://acvote.alamedacountyca.gov/index\">\u003cstrong>Alameda\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: For information about voting by mail, registration and polling place lookup, call 510-267-8683.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.contracostavote.gov/elections/\">\u003cstrong>Contra Costa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 925-335-7800 or email voter.services@vote.cccounty.us.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv\">\u003cstrong>Marin\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-473-6456 or go to the Marin County elections webpage to \u003ca href=\"https://www.marincounty.org/depts/rv/contact-us\">send a form email\u003c/a>.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.countyofnapa.org/396/Elections\">\u003cstrong>Napa\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-253-4321 or email the elections office at elections@countyofnapa.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sfelections.sfgov.org/\">\u003cstrong>San Francisco\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 415-554-4375 or email sfvote@sfgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.smcacre.org/elections\">\u003cstrong>San Mateo\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 888-762-8683 or email registrar@smcacre.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Pages/Registrar-of-Voters.aspx\">\u003cstrong>Santa Clara\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call toll free at 866-430-VOTE (8683) or email registrar@rov.sccgov.org.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.solanocounty.com/depts/rov/default.asp\">\u003cstrong>Solano\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>\u003cstrong>: \u003c/strong>Call 707-784-6675 or 888-933-VOTE (8683). You can also email elections@solanocounty.com.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/CRA/Registrar-of-Voters/\">\u003cstrong>Sonoma\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>: Call 707-565-6800 or toll free at 800-750-8683.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The state also has a full list of \u003ca href=\"https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/voting-resources/county-elections-offices/\">every county elections office in California\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "staring-down-a-historic-el-nino-san-jose-says-its-ready",
"title": "Staring Down a Historic El Niño, San José Says It’s Ready",
"publishDate": 1792159200,
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"headTitle": "Staring Down a Historic El Niño, San José Says It’s Ready | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a> is ramping up preparations for what forecasters warn could be a “very strong” El Niño, in an effort to avoid another major flood — like the one that prompted mass evacuations almost a decade ago. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The city has increased communication with the Santa Clara Valley Water District since learning what Mayor Matt Mahan called “hard lessons” after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12027875/san-jose-floodwalls-should-shield-neighborhoods-against-20-year-flood\">2017 Coyote Creek flood\u003c/a> — which displaced thousands and prompted the city to grade itself an ‘F’ in emergency preparedness.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>City staff is monitoring dozens of historical flooding sites, with the Transportation Department holding a storm coordination meeting to review emergency response procedures — upgraded public safety measures thanks to the passage of the 2018 bond measure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12049894\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San José Mayor Matt Mahan speaks during a July 25, 2025, press conference in North San José. \u003cbr> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All of that information could come in handy — El Niño-driven flooding, mudslides, power outages and more have been predicted, as the natural climate pattern \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104145/californias-el-nino-winter-could-be-profoundly-unsubtle-scientists-warn\">continues to strengthen\u003c/a> with impacts across the California coast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We feel we’re prepared,” Mahan told KQED on Thursday. “We keep getting better — we’re investing more in infrastructure, technology, our coordination with Valley Water and continuing to educate our community to make sure individuals are prepared and paying attention and in a position to be resilient as we have extreme weather.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Climate Protection Center, an arm of the National Weather Service, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html\">said\u003c/a> earlier this month that El Niño has continued to intensify, and chances “remain high” that it could be stronger than any the world has seen since 1950. From October through December, CPC said there’s an 83% chance for a historic event. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, counties like Marin and San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097546/el-nino-could-bring-a-wet-wild-winter-how-can-you-and-your-home-be-ready\">have also already started prepping\u003c/a> for the effects by cleaning drains and planning for large amounts of rain. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mahan said a San José voter-passed initiative, Measure T, helped the city expand water catchment basins, upgrade its emergency operations center, improve roadways and its 911 system. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The public’s willingness to invest in public infrastructure is part of the reason that we feel we’re in a much better position heading into this El Niño season than we have in the past,” Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The city has \u003ca href=\"https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-starts-preparing-for-wet-winter-weather/\">in recent years\u003c/a> experienced heavy rains due to events like atmospheric rivers, which have caused flooding and fallen trees. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But that flooding has been minimal compared to the Coyote Creek flood, which forced 14,000 to evacuate and incurred around $100 million in damages. Residents filed a lawsuit after the fact because they said that they weren’t properly notified in advance about emergency preparedness, and that the dam that flooded wasn’t adequately maintained. The parties settled. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Efforts for El Niño, he said, do include a focus on locations where flooding has happened historically, though citywide prevention is also a priority. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104542\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coyote Creek as seen from Berryessa Rd. in San José on Sept. 6, 2023. (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valley Water has also increased preparedness. The agency completed over 8,000 feet of flood walls along Coyote Creek and was recently awarded a $100 million contract for the next phase of flood protection improvement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They are steadily investing in the waterways that they oversee and reducing flood risk,” Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The mayor said the City Council will receive an update on the highest-risk flooding locations in the coming weeks.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We feel we’re prepared,” Mahan told KQED on Thursday. “We keep getting better — we’re investing more in infrastructure, technology, our coordination with Valley Water and continuing to educate our community to make sure individuals are prepared and paying attention and in a position to be resilient as we have extreme weather.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Climate Protection Center, an arm of the National Weather Service, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html\">said\u003c/a> earlier this month that El Niño has continued to intensify, and chances “remain high” that it could be stronger than any the world has seen since 1950. From October through December, CPC said there’s an 83% chance for a historic event. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, counties like Marin and San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097546/el-nino-could-bring-a-wet-wild-winter-how-can-you-and-your-home-be-ready\">have also already started prepping\u003c/a> for the effects by cleaning drains and planning for large amounts of rain. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mahan said a San José voter-passed initiative, Measure T, helped the city expand water catchment basins, upgrade its emergency operations center, improve roadways and its 911 system. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The public’s willingness to invest in public infrastructure is part of the reason that we feel we’re in a much better position heading into this El Niño season than we have in the past,” Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The city has \u003ca href=\"https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-starts-preparing-for-wet-winter-weather/\">in recent years\u003c/a> experienced heavy rains due to events like atmospheric rivers, which have caused flooding and fallen trees. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But that flooding has been minimal compared to the Coyote Creek flood, which forced 14,000 to evacuate and incurred around $100 million in damages. Residents filed a lawsuit after the fact because they said that they weren’t properly notified in advance about emergency preparedness, and that the dam that flooded wasn’t adequately maintained. The parties settled. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Efforts for El Niño, he said, do include a focus on locations where flooding has happened historically, though citywide prevention is also a priority. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104542\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coyote Creek as seen from Berryessa Rd. in San José on Sept. 6, 2023.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Valley Water has also increased preparedness. The agency completed over 8,000 feet of flood walls along Coyote Creek and was recently awarded a $100 million contract for the next phase of flood protection improvement. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“They are steadily investing in the waterways that they oversee and reducing flood risk,” Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a> is ramping up preparations for what forecasters warn could be a “very strong” El Niño, in an effort to avoid another major flood — like the one that prompted mass evacuations almost a decade ago. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The city has increased communication with the Santa Clara Valley Water District since learning what Mayor Matt Mahan called “hard lessons” after the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12027875/san-jose-floodwalls-should-shield-neighborhoods-against-20-year-flood\">2017 Coyote Creek flood\u003c/a> — which displaced thousands and prompted the city to grade itself an ‘F’ in emergency preparedness.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>City staff is monitoring dozens of historical flooding sites, with the Transportation Department holding a storm coordination meeting to review emergency response procedures — upgraded public safety measures thanks to the passage of the 2018 bond measure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12049894\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/07/250725-SJPOWER-JG-8_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">San José Mayor Matt Mahan speaks during a July 25, 2025, press conference in North San José. \u003cbr> (Joseph Geha/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>All of that information could come in handy — El Niño-driven flooding, mudslides, power outages and more have been predicted, as the natural climate pattern \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104145/californias-el-nino-winter-could-be-profoundly-unsubtle-scientists-warn\">continues to strengthen\u003c/a> with impacts across the California coast. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We feel we’re prepared,” Mahan told KQED on Thursday. “We keep getting better — we’re investing more in infrastructure, technology, our coordination with Valley Water and continuing to educate our community to make sure individuals are prepared and paying attention and in a position to be resilient as we have extreme weather.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Climate Protection Center, an arm of the National Weather Service, \u003ca href=\"https://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/analysis_monitoring/enso_advisory/ensodisc.html\">said\u003c/a> earlier this month that El Niño has continued to intensify, and chances “remain high” that it could be stronger than any the world has seen since 1950. From October through December, CPC said there’s an 83% chance for a historic event. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In the Bay Area, counties like Marin and San Francisco \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12097546/el-nino-could-bring-a-wet-wild-winter-how-can-you-and-your-home-be-ready\">have also already started prepping\u003c/a> for the effects by cleaning drains and planning for large amounts of rain. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Mahan said a San José voter-passed initiative, Measure T, helped the city expand water catchment basins, upgrade its emergency operations center, improve roadways and its 911 system. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The public’s willingness to invest in public infrastructure is part of the reason that we feel we’re in a much better position heading into this El Niño season than we have in the past,” Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The city has \u003ca href=\"https://sanjosespotlight.com/san-jose-starts-preparing-for-wet-winter-weather/\">in recent years\u003c/a> experienced heavy rains due to events like atmospheric rivers, which have caused flooding and fallen trees. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But that flooding has been minimal compared to the Coyote Creek flood, which forced 14,000 to evacuate and incurred around $100 million in damages. Residents filed a lawsuit after the fact because they said that they weren’t properly notified in advance about emergency preparedness, and that the dam that flooded wasn’t adequately maintained. The parties settled. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Efforts for El Niño, he said, do include a focus on locations where flooding has happened historically, though citywide prevention is also a priority. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104542\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/230906-BERRYESSA-BART-URBAN-VILLAGE-MD-08_qed-74773039-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Coyote Creek as seen from Berryessa Rd. in San José on Sept. 6, 2023. (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Valley Water has also increased preparedness. The agency completed over 8,000 feet of flood walls along Coyote Creek and was recently awarded a $100 million contract for the next phase of flood protection improvement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“They are steadily investing in the waterways that they oversee and reducing flood risk,” Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The mayor said the City Council will receive an update on the highest-risk flooding locations in the coming weeks.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "beyond-scary-ac-transit-riders-brace-for-potential-service-cuts",
"title": "‘Beyond Scary’: AC Transit Riders Brace for Potential Service Cuts ",
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"headTitle": "‘Beyond Scary’: AC Transit Riders Brace for Potential Service Cuts | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Traceé Coltes of Richmond said she relies on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/richmond\">AC Transit\u003c/a>, but she’s noticed that one of her usual lines, the 71, has become unreliable, forcing her to walk to take BART. She said she once missed a mammogram appointment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s beyond scary,” Coltes said. “That’s very important to my health and well-being. I couldn’t go because the bus didn’t show up.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She is among many AC Transit riders who expressed fear and anxiety on Wednesday afternoon during a special AC Transit Board of Directors meeting. The public gave feedback on the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.actransit.org/contingency-plan\">Proposed Contingency Service Plan\u003c/a> that would cut service and lay off workers if voters reject a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">regional transit funding ballot measure\u003c/a> this November.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104555\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traceé Coltes gives her public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The plan calls for a 16% reduction in service — removing 100 buses — and laying off up to 300 employees, according to Robert Lyles, spokesperson for AC Transit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The plan preserves the agency’s “15-minute or better” weekday service on the busiest lines and major travel corridors (such as Telegraph Avenue, Foothill Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Way), but it proposes other cuts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They include later service start times, at 7 a.m., and earlier end times, at 7 p.m., on many routes, the elimination of all weekend transbay service, to name a few.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The board of directors said it will use nearly 500 pieces of public comment submitted Wednesday to inform a final vote on how to reduce service if the Regional Transit Measure does not pass. If the service reductions are needed, the board expects to consider a proposed final service plan at a Dec. 9 meeting. Service cuts would begin June 2027. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>AC Transit is facing a $200 million structural deficit over the next four years due to pandemic-related drops in ridership, reduced federal, state and local funding (namely the exhaustion of federal Covid-19 relief dollars).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ We want none of this to activate, but we cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend that this substantial structural deficit does not exist,” Lyles said. “ The Board’s responsibility is to keep this transit agency operating.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>RTM would create a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a one-cent sales tax in San Francisco, and is estimated to generate around $1 billion annually for several Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit over 14 years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>About 21% of the tax collected in Alameda County and 3% of the tax collected in Contra Costa County would support AC Transit — generating an estimated $50 million annually for the agency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coltes and other riders said that they’re already seeing a preview of what life will be like if AC Transit reduces service — what AC Transit Director Jean Walsh calls the agency’s “reliability crisis.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104551\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A member of the public looks at a bus line map at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104552\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104552\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James Bowens gives his public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104550\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104550\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Members of the public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Far too many trips are being canceled, and the problem has been getting worse,” Walsh said in an emailed statement, speaking as an individual board member, noting that her views did not necessarily reflect the rest of the Board or AC Transit.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Walsh said a combination of absenteeism and understaffing has led to a lack of bus operators, causing “significant” rates of cancellations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to run 99.5% of scheduled buses, but we have been falling far short of that goal and inconveniencing thousands of people in the process,” Walsh said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Walsh added that the board recently approved her motion to increase reliability reporting from twice a year to monthly, which is set to begin at the end of October. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kiwan Gore gives her public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Kiwan Gore of Berkeley encouraged the board to reduce rather than eliminate weekend transbay service in its contingency plan. Born with cerebral palsy, she said she relies on AC Transit “big time,” and that other transit agencies, like BART, are “financially out of reach” for her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m in the city a lot, especially on the weekends. So for me, cutting transbay service on weekends is drastic,” Gore said. “ I’m anxious about it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coltes was also concerned that the proposed cuts would affect not only her own quality of life, but also seniors, parents and working people who struggle to afford the Bay Area’s high cost of living.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You can’t get a paycheck if you can’t even get to work, and if your means of transportation is public transportation and it’s constantly decreasing, then you see where that goes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Traceé Coltes of Richmond said she relies on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/richmond\">AC Transit\u003c/a>, but she’s noticed that one of her usual lines, the 71, has become unreliable, forcing her to walk to take BART. She said she once missed a mammogram appointment.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s beyond scary,” Coltes said. “That’s very important to my health and well-being. I couldn’t go because the bus didn’t show up.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She is among many AC Transit riders who expressed fear and anxiety on Wednesday afternoon during a special AC Transit Board of Directors meeting. The public gave feedback on the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.actransit.org/contingency-plan\">Proposed Contingency Service Plan\u003c/a> that would cut service and lay off workers if voters reject a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">regional transit funding ballot measure\u003c/a> this November.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104555\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traceé Coltes gives her public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The plan preserves the agency’s “15-minute or better” weekday service on the busiest lines and major travel corridors (such as Telegraph Avenue, Foothill Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Way), but it proposes other cuts.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They include later service start times, at 7 a.m., and earlier end times, at 7 p.m., on many routes, the elimination of all weekend transbay service, to name a few.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The board of directors said it will use nearly 500 pieces of public comment submitted Wednesday to inform a final vote on how to reduce service if the Regional Transit Measure does not pass. If the service reductions are needed, the board expects to consider a proposed final service plan at a Dec. 9 meeting. Service cuts would begin June 2027. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The board of directors said it will use nearly 500 pieces of public comment submitted Wednesday to inform a final vote on how to reduce service if the Regional Transit Measure does not pass. If the service reductions are needed, the board expects to consider a proposed final service plan at a Dec. 9 meeting. Service cuts would begin June 2027. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>AC Transit is facing a $200 million structural deficit over the next four years due to pandemic-related drops in ridership, reduced federal, state and local funding (namely the exhaustion of federal Covid-19 relief dollars).\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>AC Transit is facing a $200 million structural deficit over the next four years due to pandemic-related drops in ridership, reduced federal, state and local funding (namely the exhaustion of federal Covid-19 relief dollars).\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ We want none of this to activate, but we cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend that this substantial structural deficit does not exist,” Lyles said. “ The Board’s responsibility is to keep this transit agency operating.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ We want none of this to activate, but we cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend that this substantial structural deficit does not exist,” Lyles said. “ The Board’s responsibility is to keep this transit agency operating.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>RTM would create a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a one-cent sales tax in San Francisco, and is estimated to generate around $1 billion annually for several Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit over 14 years. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>RTM would create a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a one-cent sales tax in San Francisco, and is estimated to generate around $1 billion annually for several Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit over 14 years. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>About 21% of the tax collected in Alameda County and 3% of the tax collected in Contra Costa County would support AC Transit — generating an estimated $50 million annually for the agency. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coltes and other riders said that they’re already seeing a preview of what life will be like if AC Transit reduces service — what AC Transit Director Jean Walsh calls the agency’s “reliability crisis.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Coltes and other riders said that they’re already seeing a preview of what life will be like if AC Transit reduces service — what AC Transit Director Jean Walsh calls the agency’s “reliability crisis.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Far too many trips are being canceled, and the problem has been getting worse,” Walsh said in an emailed statement, speaking as an individual board member, noting that her views did not necessarily reflect the rest of the Board or AC Transit.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Far too many trips are being canceled, and the problem has been getting worse,” Walsh said in an emailed statement, speaking as an individual board member, noting that her views did not necessarily reflect the rest of the Board or AC Transit.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Walsh said a combination of absenteeism and understaffing has led to a lack of bus operators, causing “significant” rates of cancellations.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to run 99.5% of scheduled buses, but we have been falling far short of that goal and inconveniencing thousands of people in the process,” Walsh said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Walsh added that the board recently approved her motion to increase reliability reporting from twice a year to monthly, which is set to begin at the end of October. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Kiwan Gore of Berkeley encouraged the board to reduce rather than eliminate weekend transbay service in its contingency plan. Born with cerebral palsy, she said she relies on AC Transit “big time,” and that other transit agencies, like BART, are “financially out of reach” for her. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Kiwan Gore of Berkeley encouraged the board to reduce rather than eliminate weekend transbay service in its contingency plan. Born with cerebral palsy, she said she relies on AC Transit “big time,” and that other transit agencies, like BART, are “financially out of reach” for her. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I’m in the city a lot, especially on the weekends. So for me, cutting transbay service on weekends is drastic,” Gore said. “ I’m anxious about it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Coltes was also concerned that the proposed cuts would affect not only her own quality of life, but also seniors, parents and working people who struggle to afford the Bay Area’s high cost of living.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Coltes was also concerned that the proposed cuts would affect not only her own quality of life, but also seniors, parents and working people who struggle to afford the Bay Area’s high cost of living.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“You can’t get a paycheck if you can’t even get to work, and if your means of transportation is public transportation and it’s constantly decreasing, then you see where that goes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“You can’t get a paycheck if you can’t even get to work, and if your means of transportation is public transportation and it’s constantly decreasing, then you see where that goes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "If voters reject a regional transit ballot measure, the agency says it will be forced to cut service and lay off hundreds of employees.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Traceé Coltes of Richmond said she relies on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/richmond\">AC Transit\u003c/a>, but she’s noticed that one of her usual lines, the 71, has become unreliable, forcing her to walk to take BART. She said she once missed a mammogram appointment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It’s beyond scary,” Coltes said. “That’s very important to my health and well-being. I couldn’t go because the bus didn’t show up.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She is among many AC Transit riders who expressed fear and anxiety on Wednesday afternoon during a special AC Transit Board of Directors meeting. The public gave feedback on the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.actransit.org/contingency-plan\">Proposed Contingency Service Plan\u003c/a> that would cut service and lay off workers if voters reject a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">regional transit funding ballot measure\u003c/a> this November.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104555\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-16-MC-KQED-57e2eb01-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traceé Coltes gives her public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>The plan calls for a 16% reduction in service — removing 100 buses — and laying off up to 300 employees, according to Robert Lyles, spokesperson for AC Transit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The plan preserves the agency’s “15-minute or better” weekday service on the busiest lines and major travel corridors (such as Telegraph Avenue, Foothill Boulevard and Martin Luther King Jr. Way), but it proposes other cuts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>They include later service start times, at 7 a.m., and earlier end times, at 7 p.m., on many routes, the elimination of all weekend transbay service, to name a few.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The board of directors said it will use nearly 500 pieces of public comment submitted Wednesday to inform a final vote on how to reduce service if the Regional Transit Measure does not pass. If the service reductions are needed, the board expects to consider a proposed final service plan at a Dec. 9 meeting. Service cuts would begin June 2027. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>AC Transit is facing a $200 million structural deficit over the next four years due to pandemic-related drops in ridership, reduced federal, state and local funding (namely the exhaustion of federal Covid-19 relief dollars).\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ We want none of this to activate, but we cannot stick our heads in the sand and pretend that this substantial structural deficit does not exist,” Lyles said. “ The Board’s responsibility is to keep this transit agency operating.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>RTM would create a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, and a one-cent sales tax in San Francisco, and is estimated to generate around $1 billion annually for several Bay Area transit agencies, including BART, Muni, Caltrain and AC Transit over 14 years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>About 21% of the tax collected in Alameda County and 3% of the tax collected in Contra Costa County would support AC Transit — generating an estimated $50 million annually for the agency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coltes and other riders said that they’re already seeing a preview of what life will be like if AC Transit reduces service — what AC Transit Director Jean Walsh calls the agency’s “reliability crisis.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104551\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-10-MC-KQED-d6321b53-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A member of the public looks at a bus line map at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-3 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" data-id=\"12104552\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104552\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-12-MC-KQED-9fe7c0ac-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">James Bowens gives his public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" data-id=\"12104550\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104550\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-02-MC-KQED-8dddc922-1536x1025.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Members of the public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Far too many trips are being canceled, and the problem has been getting worse,” Walsh said in an emailed statement, speaking as an individual board member, noting that her views did not necessarily reflect the rest of the Board or AC Transit.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Walsh said a combination of absenteeism and understaffing has led to a lack of bus operators, causing “significant” rates of cancellations.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Our goal is to run 99.5% of scheduled buses, but we have been falling far short of that goal and inconveniencing thousands of people in the process,” Walsh said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Walsh added that the board recently approved her motion to increase reliability reporting from twice a year to monthly, which is set to begin at the end of October. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\n\u003cfigure class=\"aligncenter size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104556\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-ACTRANSIT-17-MC-KQED-c0067815-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Kiwan Gore gives her public comment at the AC Transit headquarters on Oct. 14, 2026, in Oakland. (Miles Cull/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/div>\n\n\n\u003cp>Kiwan Gore of Berkeley encouraged the board to reduce rather than eliminate weekend transbay service in its contingency plan. Born with cerebral palsy, she said she relies on AC Transit “big time,” and that other transit agencies, like BART, are “financially out of reach” for her. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I’m in the city a lot, especially on the weekends. So for me, cutting transbay service on weekends is drastic,” Gore said. “ I’m anxious about it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Coltes was also concerned that the proposed cuts would affect not only her own quality of life, but also seniors, parents and working people who struggle to afford the Bay Area’s high cost of living.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“You can’t get a paycheck if you can’t even get to work, and if your means of transportation is public transportation and it’s constantly decreasing, then you see where that goes,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "former-thao-staffer-says-office-was-asked-about-alleged-child-sex-trafficking-on-vietnam-trip",
"title": "Former Thao Staffer Says Office Was Asked About Alleged Child Sex Trafficking on Vietnam Trip",
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"headTitle": "Former Thao Staffer Says Office Was Asked About Alleged Child Sex Trafficking on Vietnam Trip | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>During the first day of testimony on Thursday in the federal corruption \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sheng-thao-trial\">trial of Sheng Thao\u003c/a>, the ex-mayor’s chief of staff told the court a journalist reached out to her office to ask about potential sex trafficking of minors during a 2023 trade trip to Vietnam. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The explosive allegations come as Thao faces bribery, conspiracy and fraud charges alongside her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, recycling executive David Duong, and his son, Andy Duong. All attended the trip, which was spearheaded by the Vietnamese American Business Association, a group Duong chaired. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the roughly five hours of testimony, Leigh Hanson, Thao’s friend and former chief of staff, also disclosed concerns she had aired regarding Jones’ unofficial and at times inappropriate role in the mayor’s office, as well as criticisms she voiced about Thao’s staffing picks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said that after Thao returned from Vietnam, a journalist reached out to the mayor’s office regarding some of the people on the trip who were stopped by customs in relation to “concern that there was drug paraphernalia” and “potentially involvement with young women.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1372\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260903-ShengThaoTrial-10-scaled-e1792105909155.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098348\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins and former Mayor Sheng Thao’s Chief of Staff Leigh Hanson wait while former Rep. Barbara Lee files paperwork to run for mayor at City Hall in Oakland, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said the journalist told Francis Zamora, Thao’s former communications director, that “there was potential a story would be written about that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said when she and Zamora relayed the message to Thao, the former mayor became “very upset at Andy Duong,” saying of him, “I hate that fucking playboy, he’s always been trouble, he’s going to ruin my career.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Andy Duong did not respond to a request for comment as he left the courthouse. His attorneys said any response would come “only in court.” They have not cross-examined Hanson yet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thao was vocal in her platform about sexual mistreatment of women, Hanson said, adding she was “incredibly upset that potentially some members of the delegation potentially participated.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a co-defendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson also testified she had concerns about Jones’ role in the mayor’s office. He was not a city employee or formal member of Thao’s team, but Hanson said he attended multiple meetings unannounced.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In January 2023, Hanson said Jones attended a meeting between city staffers and the city attorney about the decision to remove Oakland’s police chief at the time, Leonne Armstrong, and place him \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11974985/former-oakland-police-chief-leronne-armstrong-sues-city-for-wrongful-termination\">on leave\u003c/a> after reports that the department improperly investigated misconduct charges.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said that the meeting ultimately didn’t occur. She walked out of the room over concerns that having Jones present would jeopardize the confidentiality afforded to city employees meeting about privileged information, she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson alleged that in response to her concerns, Jones appeared to threaten her job, saying: “We’ll see which one of us is left at the end of the day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That same month, Hanson said Jones also joined a virtual interview she was conducting with a potential housing specialist unannounced. She said she told Thao that she was surprised and frustrated with his presence.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On cross-examination, defense attorneys pointed out that Thao also had multiple other trusted advisors who didn’t hold official roles in her office, including Zac Unger, now a city councilmember, who at the time was a leader of the Association of Firefighters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thao’s attorney, Daryl Tarver, asked Hanson if she recalled that “Thao had a number of advisors who were not employees” and felt it was “important to get community perspective” from people like pastors, business leaders and first responders. Hanson said yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Priedman also asked Hanson about a key aspect of their case against the former mayor: Thao’s interest in elevating Larry Gallegos, a project manager in the city’s economic workforce development department, to a director role within the city’s administration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Prosecutors have alleged that as part of the quid pro quo Thao and Jones made with the Duongs, she agreed to place their favored candidates in leadership positions, and, according to the federal indictment, that Gallegos was one of those candidates.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson testified that Thao suggested Gallegos might be a good fit for the housing department and was interested in elevating him to a leadership role. Hanson said she disagreed and told Thao he wasn’t qualified, but suggested he could be a good leader in his current department. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104318\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026, for the opening day of her federal corruption trial. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was worried about retaining some of our really high-quality leaders in the housing department, and hiring a really strong director would be important,” she testified. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said she believed she and Thao had come to an agreement that he would remain in the economic and workforce development department. But on March 10, 2023, Thao told Hanson he’d be appointed deputy housing director. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson texted Thao, confused by the sudden change in course. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“She shared that she had spoken to Harold and that he would be appointed to the deputy director housing role,” Hanson testified. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gallegos was named Interim Deputy Director that day, just one day after prosecutors said Thao attended a dinner with all the co-defendants.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson will continue testifying next week, when the trial resumes Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a co-defendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a co-defendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson also testified she had concerns about Jones’ role in the mayor’s office. He was not a city employee or formal member of Thao’s team, but Hanson said he attended multiple meetings unannounced.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In January 2023, Hanson said Jones attended a meeting between city staffers and the city attorney about the decision to remove Oakland’s police chief at the time, Leonne Armstrong, and place him \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11974985/former-oakland-police-chief-leronne-armstrong-sues-city-for-wrongful-termination\">on leave\u003c/a> after reports that the department improperly investigated misconduct charges.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In January 2023, Hanson said Jones attended a meeting between city staffers and the city attorney about the decision to remove Oakland’s police chief at the time, Leonne Armstrong, and place him \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11974985/former-oakland-police-chief-leronne-armstrong-sues-city-for-wrongful-termination\">on leave\u003c/a> after reports that the department improperly investigated misconduct charges.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson said that the meeting ultimately didn’t occur. She walked out of the room over concerns that having Jones present would jeopardize the confidentiality afforded to city employees meeting about privileged information, she said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson alleged that in response to her concerns, Jones appeared to threaten her job, saying: “We’ll see which one of us is left at the end of the day.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That same month, Hanson said Jones also joined a virtual interview she was conducting with a potential housing specialist unannounced. She said she told Thao that she was surprised and frustrated with his presence.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On cross-examination, defense attorneys pointed out that Thao also had multiple other trusted advisors who didn’t hold official roles in her office, including Zac Unger, now a city councilmember, who at the time was a leader of the Association of Firefighters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Thao’s attorney, Daryl Tarver, asked Hanson if she recalled that “Thao had a number of advisors who were not employees” and felt it was “important to get community perspective” from people like pastors, business leaders and first responders. Hanson said yes. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Priedman also asked Hanson about a key aspect of their case against the former mayor: Thao’s interest in elevating Larry Gallegos, a project manager in the city’s economic workforce development department, to a director role within the city’s administration.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Priedman also asked Hanson about a key aspect of their case against the former mayor: Thao’s interest in elevating Larry Gallegos, a project manager in the city’s economic workforce development department, to a director role within the city’s administration.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Prosecutors have alleged that as part of the quid pro quo Thao and Jones made with the Duongs, she agreed to place their favored candidates in leadership positions, and, according to the federal indictment, that Gallegos was one of those candidates.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Prosecutors have alleged that as part of the quid pro quo Thao and Jones made with the Duongs, she agreed to place their favored candidates in leadership positions, and, according to the federal indictment, that Gallegos was one of those candidates.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson testified that Thao suggested Gallegos might be a good fit for the housing department and was interested in elevating him to a leadership role. Hanson said she disagreed and told Thao he wasn’t qualified, but suggested he could be a good leader in his current department. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hanson testified that Thao suggested Gallegos might be a good fit for the housing department and was interested in elevating him to a leadership role. Hanson said she disagreed and told Thao he wasn’t qualified, but suggested he could be a good leader in his current department. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104318\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026, for the opening day of her federal corruption trial.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104318\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026, for the opening day of her federal corruption trial.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I was worried about retaining some of our really high-quality leaders in the housing department, and hiring a really strong director would be important,” she testified. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson said she believed she and Thao had come to an agreement that he would remain in the economic and workforce development department. But on March 10, 2023, Thao told Hanson he’d be appointed deputy housing director. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hanson said she believed she and Thao had come to an agreement that he would remain in the economic and workforce development department. But on March 10, 2023, Thao told Hanson he’d be appointed deputy housing director. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson texted Thao, confused by the sudden change in course. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“She shared that she had spoken to Harold and that he would be appointed to the deputy director housing role,” Hanson testified. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gallegos was named Interim Deputy Director that day, just one day after prosecutors said Thao attended a dinner with all the co-defendants.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hanson will continue testifying next week, when the trial resumes Monday.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "During the first day of testimony in the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, her former chief of staff also testified about her concerns over the role Thao’s romantic partner held in her office and criticisms of her staffing picks. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>During the first day of testimony on Thursday in the federal corruption \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sheng-thao-trial\">trial of Sheng Thao\u003c/a>, the ex-mayor’s chief of staff told the court a journalist reached out to her office to ask about potential sex trafficking of minors during a 2023 trade trip to Vietnam. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The explosive allegations come as Thao faces bribery, conspiracy and fraud charges alongside her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, recycling executive David Duong, and his son, Andy Duong. All attended the trip, which was spearheaded by the Vietnamese American Business Association, a group Duong chaired. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the roughly five hours of testimony, Leigh Hanson, Thao’s friend and former chief of staff, also disclosed concerns she had aired regarding Jones’ unofficial and at times inappropriate role in the mayor’s office, as well as criticisms she voiced about Thao’s staffing picks. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said that after Thao returned from Vietnam, a journalist reached out to the mayor’s office regarding some of the people on the trip who were stopped by customs in relation to “concern that there was drug paraphernalia” and “potentially involvement with young women.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1372\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260903-ShengThaoTrial-10-scaled-e1792105909155.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12098348\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Interim Mayor Kevin Jenkins and former Mayor Sheng Thao’s Chief of Staff Leigh Hanson wait while former Rep. Barbara Lee files paperwork to run for mayor at City Hall in Oakland, California, on Jan. 8, 2025. (Jane Tyska/Digital First Media/East Bay Times via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said the journalist told Francis Zamora, Thao’s former communications director, that “there was potential a story would be written about that.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said when she and Zamora relayed the message to Thao, the former mayor became “very upset at Andy Duong,” saying of him, “I hate that fucking playboy, he’s always been trouble, he’s going to ruin my career.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Andy Duong did not respond to a request for comment as he left the courthouse. His attorneys said any response would come “only in court.” They have not cross-examined Hanson yet.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thao was vocal in her platform about sexual mistreatment of women, Hanson said, adding she was “incredibly upset that potentially some members of the delegation potentially participated.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a co-defendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson also testified she had concerns about Jones’ role in the mayor’s office. He was not a city employee or formal member of Thao’s team, but Hanson said he attended multiple meetings unannounced.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In January 2023, Hanson said Jones attended a meeting between city staffers and the city attorney about the decision to remove Oakland’s police chief at the time, Leonne Armstrong, and place him \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11974985/former-oakland-police-chief-leronne-armstrong-sues-city-for-wrongful-termination\">on leave\u003c/a> after reports that the department improperly investigated misconduct charges.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said that the meeting ultimately didn’t occur. She walked out of the room over concerns that having Jones present would jeopardize the confidentiality afforded to city employees meeting about privileged information, she said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson alleged that in response to her concerns, Jones appeared to threaten her job, saying: “We’ll see which one of us is left at the end of the day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That same month, Hanson said Jones also joined a virtual interview she was conducting with a potential housing specialist unannounced. She said she told Thao that she was surprised and frustrated with his presence.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On cross-examination, defense attorneys pointed out that Thao also had multiple other trusted advisors who didn’t hold official roles in her office, including Zac Unger, now a city councilmember, who at the time was a leader of the Association of Firefighters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thao’s attorney, Daryl Tarver, asked Hanson if she recalled that “Thao had a number of advisors who were not employees” and felt it was “important to get community perspective” from people like pastors, business leaders and first responders. Hanson said yes. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Assistant U.S. Attorney Molly Priedman also asked Hanson about a key aspect of their case against the former mayor: Thao’s interest in elevating Larry Gallegos, a project manager in the city’s economic workforce development department, to a director role within the city’s administration.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Prosecutors have alleged that as part of the quid pro quo Thao and Jones made with the Duongs, she agreed to place their favored candidates in leadership positions, and, according to the federal indictment, that Gallegos was one of those candidates.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson testified that Thao suggested Gallegos might be a good fit for the housing department and was interested in elevating him to a leadership role. Hanson said she disagreed and told Thao he wasn’t qualified, but suggested he could be a good leader in his current department. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104318\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-05-BL-KQED-aa7cf255-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026, for the opening day of her federal corruption trial. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I was worried about retaining some of our really high-quality leaders in the housing department, and hiring a really strong director would be important,” she testified. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson said she believed she and Thao had come to an agreement that he would remain in the economic and workforce development department. But on March 10, 2023, Thao told Hanson he’d be appointed deputy housing director. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson texted Thao, confused by the sudden change in course. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“She shared that she had spoken to Harold and that he would be appointed to the deputy director housing role,” Hanson testified. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gallegos was named Interim Deputy Director that day, just one day after prosecutors said Thao attended a dinner with all the co-defendants.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Hanson will continue testifying next week, when the trial resumes Monday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Trump Administration Sues California After Demands to Prove Voters’ Citizenship",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/trump-administration\">Trump administration\u003c/a> sued California and state elections officials on Thursday, two days after demanding that they prove U.S. citizenship for tens of thousands of registered voters — or set aside their ballots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The unusual lawsuit, filed weeks before Election Day, immediately drew criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom and state officials, who have accused President Donald Trump and the federal government of stoking unfounded concerns about voter fraud and trying to intimidate voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In letters sent Tuesday to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters Dean Logan, who are also named as defendants in the lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Justice gave officials two days to confirm the voters’ citizenship status, ramping up its pressure on the state to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-integrity\">root out alleged voter fraud\u003c/a> ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The letters sent by acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter were accompanied by a password-protected thumb drive that the DOJ said contained the names of over 20,000 voters who the federal government “believes are likely noncitizens.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In its complaint filed Thursday, the Justice Department asked a federal court to order California to set aside the vote-by-mail ballots sent to those people and to block the state from counting those ballots until the voters’ citizenship status can be confirmed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104428\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a press conference, May 6, 2025, at the Justice Department in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is a sad, desperate attempt by Trump to use his politicized Justice Department to try to suppress California voters just three weeks before Election Day,” Newsom said in a statement. “Courts have made clear the federal government has no role in running state elections. We will defend free and fair elections in the Golden State and call out every authoritarian attempt to undermine our democracy.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Legal experts say the lawsuit faces an uphill battle. Similar suits by the Trump administration over California’s voter rolls have been unsuccessful since the start of Trump’s second term.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are nineteen days away from the last day of voting. Six million ballots have already been cast. This is not a good faith effort based on the timing,” said David Becker, who heads the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Attorney General Todd Blanche said the 20,000 individuals were flagged as likely noncitizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We provided California an opportunity to self-correct its records, and we requested that it segregate the suspected illegal ballots for the upcoming election,” Blanche said in a statement. “California has refused to comply and intends to facilitate noncitizens in voting, which is a violation of federal law.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement, Logan said Los Angeles County election officials did not try accessing the thumb drive because it didn’t meet the registrar’s security standards.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After McCotter sent the letters to Weber and Logan, California Attorney General Rob Bonta denounced the Trump administration for taking such a step while voters across the state are already filling out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103647/dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide-california-midterm-elections-2026-vote-for-governor\">vote-by-mail ballots\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Every count, recount, hand count, lawsuit, and audit has found that there’s no widespread voter fraud in the U.S.,” Bonta wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/AGRobBonta/status/2110834245312839757\">post\u003c/a> on X, responding to the lawsuit. “The Trump Admin’s last-minute demands are meritless, and we look forward to making our case in court.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Thursday, Weber’s office released a response to McCotter’s letter in which the state’s top elections official said she aimed “to set the record straight.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She noted “serious doubts” about the accuracy of the list as well as an earlier claim from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that over 190,000 registered California voters “may be” noncitizens. California has yet to receive any response to a request for the data and methodology behind those claims, Weber said, noting that courts have found the federal government’s citizenship records to be unreliable.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If the federal government possesses proof that certain registered voters in California are ineligible, we will welcome the opportunity to review that evidence and any supporting data or methodology,” Weber wrote in her letter to McCotter. “However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians—or order any county elections official to do so—based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla joined other California officials in labeling the lawsuit an attempt at election interference.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen this coming: Donald Trump’s Department of Justice with no authority is now actively trying to interfere in the 2026 elections and strong-arm California into purging names from our voter rolls and blocking mail ballots based purely on vague allegations less than three weeks before Election Day,” Padilla said in a statement Thursday. “This lawsuit has no legal basis or evidence behind it and is nothing more than a blatant abuse of power designed to sow distrust in our elections and threaten Americans’ right to vote.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2285787606-scaled-e1791586238561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091600\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Department of Justice’s demands come after most California counties already began mailing ballots to voters last week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“California’s voter lists are public, and this administration has had 21 months with total control of the federal government to review those public lists. … One must question why the DOJ would violate its own rules about investigating elections close to Election Day, and over a week after they knew the state had already mailed ballots out, particularly when their past claims have been full of errors,” Becker said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It wasn’t immediately clear whether any other county elections offices received similar letters from the Trump administration, though several Northern California counties contacted by KQED had not as of Wednesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Unless we hear otherwise from the California Secretary of State, there will be no changes to Vote-by-Mail procedures in Sonoma County for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election,” Wendy Hudson, deputy chief registrar of voters for Sonoma County, said in a statement to KQED.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Officials in Marin, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Solano and Yolo counties also said they hadn’t received any communication from the federal government demanding proof of citizenship for the voters on their rolls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Registration data is cross-checked at the state level, with other state and federal agencies to ensure that only eligible people are registered,” Hudson said. “If someone does not confirm on a voter registration application that they are a U.S. citizen, we would not process their voter registration application.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/mlagos\">Marisa Lagos\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ibloom\">Izzy Bloom\u003c/a> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In its complaint filed Thursday, the Justice Department asked a federal court to order California to set aside the vote-by-mail ballots sent to those people and to block the state from counting those ballots until the voters’ citizenship status can be confirmed.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is a sad, desperate attempt by Trump to use his politicized Justice Department to try to suppress California voters just three weeks before Election Day,” Newsom said in a statement. “Courts have made clear the federal government has no role in running state elections. We will defend free and fair elections in the Golden State and call out every authoritarian attempt to undermine our democracy.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Legal experts say the lawsuit faces an uphill battle. Similar suits by the Trump administration over California’s voter rolls have been unsuccessful since the start of Trump’s second term.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We are nineteen days away from the last day of voting. Six million ballots have already been cast. This is not a good faith effort based on the timing,” said David Becker, who heads the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Attorney General Todd Blanche said the 20,000 individuals were flagged as likely noncitizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We provided California an opportunity to self-correct its records, and we requested that it segregate the suspected illegal ballots for the upcoming election,” Blanche said in a statement. “California has refused to comply and intends to facilitate noncitizens in voting, which is a violation of federal law.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In a statement, Logan said Los Angeles County election officials did not try accessing the thumb drive because it didn’t meet the registrar’s security standards.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After McCotter sent the letters to Weber and Logan, California Attorney General Rob Bonta denounced the Trump administration for taking such a step while voters across the state are already filling out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103647/dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide-california-midterm-elections-2026-vote-for-governor\">vote-by-mail ballots\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Every count, recount, hand count, lawsuit, and audit has found that there’s no widespread voter fraud in the U.S.,” Bonta wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/AGRobBonta/status/2110834245312839757\">post\u003c/a> on X, responding to the lawsuit. “The Trump Admin’s last-minute demands are meritless, and we look forward to making our case in court.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Every count, recount, hand count, lawsuit, and audit has found that there’s no widespread voter fraud in the U.S.,” Bonta wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/AGRobBonta/status/2110834245312839757\">post\u003c/a> on X, responding to the lawsuit. “The Trump Admin’s last-minute demands are meritless, and we look forward to making our case in court.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>On Thursday, Weber’s office released a response to McCotter’s letter in which the state’s top elections official said she aimed “to set the record straight.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She noted “serious doubts” about the accuracy of the list as well as an earlier claim from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that over 190,000 registered California voters “may be” noncitizens. California has yet to receive any response to a request for the data and methodology behind those claims, Weber said, noting that courts have found the federal government’s citizenship records to be unreliable.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She noted “serious doubts” about the accuracy of the list as well as an earlier claim from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that over 190,000 registered California voters “may be” noncitizens. California has yet to receive any response to a request for the data and methodology behind those claims, Weber said, noting that courts have found the federal government’s citizenship records to be unreliable.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If the federal government possesses proof that certain registered voters in California are ineligible, we will welcome the opportunity to review that evidence and any supporting data or methodology,” Weber wrote in her letter to McCotter. “However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians—or order any county elections official to do so—based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If the federal government possesses proof that certain registered voters in California are ineligible, we will welcome the opportunity to review that evidence and any supporting data or methodology,” Weber wrote in her letter to McCotter. “However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians—or order any county elections official to do so—based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla joined other California officials in labeling the lawsuit an attempt at election interference.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen this coming: Donald Trump’s Department of Justice with no authority is now actively trying to interfere in the 2026 elections and strong-arm California into purging names from our voter rolls and blocking mail ballots based purely on vague allegations less than three weeks before Election Day,” Padilla said in a statement Thursday. “This lawsuit has no legal basis or evidence behind it and is nothing more than a blatant abuse of power designed to sow distrust in our elections and threaten Americans’ right to vote.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen this coming: Donald Trump’s Department of Justice with no authority is now actively trying to interfere in the 2026 elections and strong-arm California into purging names from our voter rolls and blocking mail ballots based purely on vague allegations less than three weeks before Election Day,” Padilla said in a statement Thursday. “This lawsuit has no legal basis or evidence behind it and is nothing more than a blatant abuse of power designed to sow distrust in our elections and threaten Americans’ right to vote.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Department of Justice’s demands come after most California counties already began mailing ballots to voters last week. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“California’s voter lists are public, and this administration has had 21 months with total control of the federal government to review those public lists. … One must question why the DOJ would violate its own rules about investigating elections close to Election Day, and over a week after they knew the state had already mailed ballots out, particularly when their past claims have been full of errors,” Becker said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It wasn’t immediately clear whether any other county elections offices received similar letters from the Trump administration, though several Northern California counties contacted by KQED had not as of Wednesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Unless we hear otherwise from the California Secretary of State, there will be no changes to Vote-by-Mail procedures in Sonoma County for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election,” Wendy Hudson, deputy chief registrar of voters for Sonoma County, said in a statement to KQED.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Officials in Marin, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Solano and Yolo counties also said they hadn’t received any communication from the federal government demanding proof of citizenship for the voters on their rolls.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Registration data is cross-checked at the state level, with other state and federal agencies to ensure that only eligible people are registered,” Hudson said. “If someone does not confirm on a voter registration application that they are a U.S. citizen, we would not process their voter registration application.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Registration data is cross-checked at the state level, with other state and federal agencies to ensure that only eligible people are registered,” Hudson said. “If someone does not confirm on a voter registration application that they are a U.S. citizen, we would not process their voter registration application.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/mlagos\">Marisa Lagos\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ibloom\">Izzy Bloom\u003c/a> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/mlagos\">Marisa Lagos\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ibloom\">Izzy Bloom\u003c/a> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Just weeks before Election Day, the U.S. Department of Justice is asking a federal court to order California to withhold ballots from 20,000 voters it flagged as potentially ineligible.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/trump-administration\">Trump administration\u003c/a> sued California and state elections officials on Thursday, two days after demanding that they prove U.S. citizenship for tens of thousands of registered voters — or set aside their ballots.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The unusual lawsuit, filed weeks before Election Day, immediately drew criticism from Gov. Gavin Newsom and state officials, who have accused President Donald Trump and the federal government of stoking unfounded concerns about voter fraud and trying to intimidate voters.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In letters sent Tuesday to California Secretary of State Shirley Weber and Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters Dean Logan, who are also named as defendants in the lawsuit, the U.S. Department of Justice gave officials two days to confirm the voters’ citizenship status, ramping up its pressure on the state to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/election-integrity\">root out alleged voter fraud\u003c/a> ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm election.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The letters sent by acting U.S. Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter were accompanied by a password-protected thumb drive that the DOJ said contained the names of over 20,000 voters who the federal government “believes are likely noncitizens.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In its complaint filed Thursday, the Justice Department asked a federal court to order California to set aside the vote-by-mail ballots sent to those people and to block the state from counting those ballots until the voters’ citizenship status can be confirmed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104428\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DOJAPPhoto-196de4d3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The U.S. Department of Justice logo is seen on a podium before a press conference, May 6, 2025, at the Justice Department in Washington. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP Photo)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is a sad, desperate attempt by Trump to use his politicized Justice Department to try to suppress California voters just three weeks before Election Day,” Newsom said in a statement. “Courts have made clear the federal government has no role in running state elections. We will defend free and fair elections in the Golden State and call out every authoritarian attempt to undermine our democracy.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Legal experts say the lawsuit faces an uphill battle. Similar suits by the Trump administration over California’s voter rolls have been unsuccessful since the start of Trump’s second term.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We are nineteen days away from the last day of voting. Six million ballots have already been cast. This is not a good faith effort based on the timing,” said David Becker, who heads the nonpartisan Center for Election Innovation and Research.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Attorney General Todd Blanche said the 20,000 individuals were flagged as likely noncitizens by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We provided California an opportunity to self-correct its records, and we requested that it segregate the suspected illegal ballots for the upcoming election,” Blanche said in a statement. “California has refused to comply and intends to facilitate noncitizens in voting, which is a violation of federal law.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In a statement, Logan said Los Angeles County election officials did not try accessing the thumb drive because it didn’t meet the registrar’s security standards.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After McCotter sent the letters to Weber and Logan, California Attorney General Rob Bonta denounced the Trump administration for taking such a step while voters across the state are already filling out \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103647/dropbox-near-me-san-francisco-bay-area-find-my-polling-place-election-day-voter-guide-california-midterm-elections-2026-vote-for-governor\">vote-by-mail ballots\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Every count, recount, hand count, lawsuit, and audit has found that there’s no widespread voter fraud in the U.S.,” Bonta wrote in a \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/AGRobBonta/status/2110834245312839757\">post\u003c/a> on X, responding to the lawsuit. “The Trump Admin’s last-minute demands are meritless, and we look forward to making our case in court.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>On Thursday, Weber’s office released a response to McCotter’s letter in which the state’s top elections official said she aimed “to set the record straight.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>She noted “serious doubts” about the accuracy of the list as well as an earlier claim from DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin that over 190,000 registered California voters “may be” noncitizens. California has yet to receive any response to a request for the data and methodology behind those claims, Weber said, noting that courts have found the federal government’s citizenship records to be unreliable.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If the federal government possesses proof that certain registered voters in California are ineligible, we will welcome the opportunity to review that evidence and any supporting data or methodology,” Weber wrote in her letter to McCotter. “However, I will not disenfranchise thousands of Californians—or order any county elections official to do so—based solely upon an unsupported and likely inaccurate ‘belie[f]’ that certain voters are ‘likely’ noncitizens.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Democratic Sen. Alex Padilla joined other California officials in labeling the lawsuit an attempt at election interference.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We’ve seen this coming: Donald Trump’s Department of Justice with no authority is now actively trying to interfere in the 2026 elections and strong-arm California into purging names from our voter rolls and blocking mail ballots based purely on vague allegations less than three weeks before Election Day,” Padilla said in a statement Thursday. “This lawsuit has no legal basis or evidence behind it and is nothing more than a blatant abuse of power designed to sow distrust in our elections and threaten Americans’ right to vote.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1334\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/GettyImages-2285787606-scaled-e1791586238561.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12091600\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the nation from the East Room of the White House on July 16, 2026, in Washington, D.C. (Saul Loeb/Pool via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Department of Justice’s demands come after most California counties already began mailing ballots to voters last week. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“California’s voter lists are public, and this administration has had 21 months with total control of the federal government to review those public lists. … One must question why the DOJ would violate its own rules about investigating elections close to Election Day, and over a week after they knew the state had already mailed ballots out, particularly when their past claims have been full of errors,” Becker said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It wasn’t immediately clear whether any other county elections offices received similar letters from the Trump administration, though several Northern California counties contacted by KQED had not as of Wednesday afternoon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Unless we hear otherwise from the California Secretary of State, there will be no changes to Vote-by-Mail procedures in Sonoma County for the Nov. 3, 2026, General Election,” Wendy Hudson, deputy chief registrar of voters for Sonoma County, said in a statement to KQED.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Officials in Marin, Sonoma, Contra Costa, Solano and Yolo counties also said they hadn’t received any communication from the federal government demanding proof of citizenship for the voters on their rolls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Registration data is cross-checked at the state level, with other state and federal agencies to ensure that only eligible people are registered,” Hudson said. “If someone does not confirm on a voter registration application that they are a U.S. citizen, we would not process their voter registration application.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/mlagos\">Marisa Lagos\u003c/a>\u003c/em> \u003cem>and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ibloom\">Izzy Bloom\u003c/a> contributed to this report. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "the-berkeley-bird-festival-might-be-calling-you-this-weekend-and-its-free",
"title": "The Berkeley Bird Festival Might Be Calling You This Weekend (and It’s Free)",
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"headTitle": "The Berkeley Bird Festival Might Be Calling You This Weekend (and It’s Free) | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Still looking for weekend plans (and want to avoid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103119/half-moon-bay-pumpkin-festival-traffic-tips-2026\">chaos of the coast during the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a>)? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You could head east instead and check out the \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/\">Berkeley Bird Festival\u003c/a> on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This free annual event is back with a packed schedule of guided birding tours, performances, arts and crafts and presentations on topics from birdsong to bird-inspired folklore.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This year’s theme is “myth and memory,” said Ryan Nakano, communications director for the \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatebirdalliance.org/\">Golden Gate Bird Alliance\u003c/a>, which is hosting the event alongside the \u003ca href=\"https://californiaican.org/\">California Institute for Community, Arts, and Nature.\u003c/a> With the exception of the birding walks, the event will mostly be held in or near the David Brower Center adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus. Allston Way will be closed this weekend for one block between Oxford and Shattuck streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The idea behind it was to try to address the fact that our relationship to birds can be very personal, but they can also be very community-based,” he said. “Different communities have different relationships to birds, and oftentimes, it’s through the stories we’re told, or we grow up with.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The big events during the Berkeley Bird Festival on Sunday\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For birders especially interested in exploring those themes of myth and memory, Nakano suggested checking out \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/thepeoplecouldfly/\">the hands-on writing workshop\u003c/a> with author Ashia Ajani, scheduled for 1:25 p.m. in the Goldman Theater. Here, participants will discuss African storytelling and come ready to creatively write.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakano also suggested a \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/sunbird-songs-of-nectar-hanan-masri-walter-brents-iii/\">12:30 p.m. presentation\u003c/a> from Berkeley poet laureate Hanan Masri and educator Walker Brents III, who plan to discuss the poem “Sunbird,” by Fady Joudah in the Tamalpais Room. Plus, the 4:15 \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/wild-parrots-myths-and-memories/\">talk on wild parrots in San Francisco\u003c/a> is sure to attract a crowd, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a.JPG\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104622\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a.JPG 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A birding tour at the Berkeley Bird Festival. (Courtesy of Xiao Wan)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The biggest can’t-miss moments of the event, he said, are the 4:35 p.m. \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/splitting-skies-dancing-for-the-birds-and-our-future/\">“Splitting Skies” dance performance\u003c/a> and the 3:15 keynote conversation between \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/3804/\">authors Ed Yong and Lauren Markham. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The conversation “will be focused on the climate crisis and how we reckon with that on an interpersonal, inter-communal level,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m new to birding. What festival events should I see? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For those who aren’t already hooked on birding, Nakano suggested taking advantage of all the local birding groups that will be tabling there, like the American Birding Association and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12043590/pride-2025-outdoor-meetups-lgbtq-hiking-bay-area#BirdwatchwithQueerBirdersBayArea\">Queer Birders Bay Area\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Plus, while many of the birding walks are already at capacity, more \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/birding-on-campus/\">free tours will be running all afternoon on campus\u003c/a>, guided by Bears for Birds, the Cal birding club. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80.JPG\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104626\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80.JPG 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meeting birds at the Berkeley Bird Festival.\u003cbr> (Courtesy of Ryan Nakano)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And don’t miss the afternoon \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/tour-the-museum-of-vertebrate-zoology/\">tours of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology\u003c/a>, where you look at bird specimens up close.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Obviously it’s a little bit macabre, but it’s science,” Nakano said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The entire event is free, and most of its talks and workshops don’t require any registration. There won’t be food at the event, but a few local Berkeley restaurants will be offering attendees discounts during the festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’ll also be a raffle where participants can win birding gear and merchandise.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For the less experienced birders or birding-curious attendees, Nakano said to come with an open mind, ready to learn about the breadth of species of birds and habitat here in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You may even learn a thing or two about how to help protect birds, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Really, you can kind of find birds everywhere, even in your own neighborhoods and backyards,” he said, “but also just in these very surprising locations that unless you were birding, you might not even really go out there.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It gives you this fun excuse to explore the Bay in a completely different way,” Nakano said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You could head east instead and check out the \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/\">Berkeley Bird Festival\u003c/a> on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This free annual event is back with a packed schedule of guided birding tours, performances, arts and crafts and presentations on topics from birdsong to bird-inspired folklore.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This year’s theme is “myth and memory,” said Ryan Nakano, communications director for the \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatebirdalliance.org/\">Golden Gate Bird Alliance\u003c/a>, which is hosting the event alongside the \u003ca href=\"https://californiaican.org/\">California Institute for Community, Arts, and Nature.\u003c/a> With the exception of the birding walks, the event will mostly be held in or near the David Brower Center adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus. Allston Way will be closed this weekend for one block between Oxford and Shattuck streets.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The idea behind it was to try to address the fact that our relationship to birds can be very personal, but they can also be very community-based,” he said. “Different communities have different relationships to birds, and oftentimes, it’s through the stories we’re told, or we grow up with.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For birders especially interested in exploring those themes of myth and memory, Nakano suggested checking out \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/thepeoplecouldfly/\">the hands-on writing workshop\u003c/a> with author Ashia Ajani, scheduled for 1:25 p.m. in the Goldman Theater. Here, participants will discuss African storytelling and come ready to creatively write.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakano also suggested a \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/sunbird-songs-of-nectar-hanan-masri-walter-brents-iii/\">12:30 p.m. presentation\u003c/a> from Berkeley poet laureate Hanan Masri and educator Walker Brents III, who plan to discuss the poem “Sunbird,” by Fady Joudah in the Tamalpais Room. Plus, the 4:15 \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/wild-parrots-myths-and-memories/\">talk on wild parrots in San Francisco\u003c/a> is sure to attract a crowd, he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The biggest can’t-miss moments of the event, he said, are the 4:35 p.m. \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/splitting-skies-dancing-for-the-birds-and-our-future/\">“Splitting Skies” dance performance\u003c/a> and the 3:15 keynote conversation between \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/3804/\">authors Ed Yong and Lauren Markham. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For those who aren’t already hooked on birding, Nakano suggested taking advantage of all the local birding groups that will be tabling there, like the American Birding Association and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12043590/pride-2025-outdoor-meetups-lgbtq-hiking-bay-area#BirdwatchwithQueerBirdersBayArea\">Queer Birders Bay Area\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Plus, while many of the birding walks are already at capacity, more \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/birding-on-campus/\">free tours will be running all afternoon on campus\u003c/a>, guided by Bears for Birds, the Cal birding club. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The entire event is free, and most of its talks and workshops don’t require any registration. There won’t be food at the event, but a few local Berkeley restaurants will be offering attendees discounts during the festival.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For the less experienced birders or birding-curious attendees, Nakano said to come with an open mind, ready to learn about the breadth of species of birds and habitat here in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n",
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"title": "The Berkeley Bird Festival Might Be Calling You This Weekend (and It’s Free) | KQED",
"description": "If you’re still in need of weekend plans, this free day is packed with tours, workshops and hands-on activities to bring out your inner birder.\n",
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"headline": "The Berkeley Bird Festival Might Be Calling You This Weekend (and It’s Free)",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Still looking for weekend plans (and want to avoid the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103119/half-moon-bay-pumpkin-festival-traffic-tips-2026\">chaos of the coast during the Half Moon Bay Art and Pumpkin Festival\u003c/a>)? \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You could head east instead and check out the \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/\">Berkeley Bird Festival\u003c/a> on Sunday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This free annual event is back with a packed schedule of guided birding tours, performances, arts and crafts and presentations on topics from birdsong to bird-inspired folklore.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>This year’s theme is “myth and memory,” said Ryan Nakano, communications director for the \u003ca href=\"https://goldengatebirdalliance.org/\">Golden Gate Bird Alliance\u003c/a>, which is hosting the event alongside the \u003ca href=\"https://californiaican.org/\">California Institute for Community, Arts, and Nature.\u003c/a> With the exception of the birding walks, the event will mostly be held in or near the David Brower Center adjacent to the UC Berkeley campus. Allston Way will be closed this weekend for one block between Oxford and Shattuck streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The idea behind it was to try to address the fact that our relationship to birds can be very personal, but they can also be very community-based,” he said. “Different communities have different relationships to birds, and oftentimes, it’s through the stories we’re told, or we grow up with.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The big events during the Berkeley Bird Festival on Sunday\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For birders especially interested in exploring those themes of myth and memory, Nakano suggested checking out \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/thepeoplecouldfly/\">the hands-on writing workshop\u003c/a> with author Ashia Ajani, scheduled for 1:25 p.m. in the Goldman Theater. Here, participants will discuss African storytelling and come ready to creatively write.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakano also suggested a \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/sunbird-songs-of-nectar-hanan-masri-walter-brents-iii/\">12:30 p.m. presentation\u003c/a> from Berkeley poet laureate Hanan Masri and educator Walker Brents III, who plan to discuss the poem “Sunbird,” by Fady Joudah in the Tamalpais Room. Plus, the 4:15 \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/wild-parrots-myths-and-memories/\">talk on wild parrots in San Francisco\u003c/a> is sure to attract a crowd, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a.JPG\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104622\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a.JPG 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/Field-Trip-by-Xiao-Wan-8619981a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A birding tour at the Berkeley Bird Festival. (Courtesy of Xiao Wan)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The biggest can’t-miss moments of the event, he said, are the 4:35 p.m. \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/splitting-skies-dancing-for-the-birds-and-our-future/\">“Splitting Skies” dance performance\u003c/a> and the 3:15 keynote conversation between \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/3804/\">authors Ed Yong and Lauren Markham. \u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The conversation “will be focused on the climate crisis and how we reckon with that on an interpersonal, inter-communal level,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I’m new to birding. What festival events should I see? \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For those who aren’t already hooked on birding, Nakano suggested taking advantage of all the local birding groups that will be tabling there, like the American Birding Association and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12043590/pride-2025-outdoor-meetups-lgbtq-hiking-bay-area#BirdwatchwithQueerBirdersBayArea\">Queer Birders Bay Area\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Plus, while many of the birding walks are already at capacity, more \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/birding-on-campus/\">free tours will be running all afternoon on campus\u003c/a>, guided by Bears for Birds, the Cal birding club. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80.JPG\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104626\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80.JPG 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/DSC_0660-c2a90a80-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Meeting birds at the Berkeley Bird Festival.\u003cbr> (Courtesy of Ryan Nakano)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And don’t miss the afternoon \u003ca href=\"https://berkeleybirdfestival.org/bbf-events/tour-the-museum-of-vertebrate-zoology/\">tours of the Museum of Vertebrate Zoology\u003c/a>, where you look at bird specimens up close.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Obviously it’s a little bit macabre, but it’s science,” Nakano said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The entire event is free, and most of its talks and workshops don’t require any registration. There won’t be food at the event, but a few local Berkeley restaurants will be offering attendees discounts during the festival.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>There’ll also be a raffle where participants can win birding gear and merchandise.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For the less experienced birders or birding-curious attendees, Nakano said to come with an open mind, ready to learn about the breadth of species of birds and habitat here in the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You may even learn a thing or two about how to help protect birds, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Really, you can kind of find birds everywhere, even in your own neighborhoods and backyards,” he said, “but also just in these very surprising locations that unless you were birding, you might not even really go out there.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“It gives you this fun excuse to explore the Bay in a completely different way,” Nakano said.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "ballhalla-better-be-prepping-where-to-cheer-on-the-valkyries-in-the-wnba-finals",
"title": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals",
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"headTitle": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)",
"Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)",
"Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)",
"Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)",
"Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)",
"Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)"
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null,
"\n\n",
null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"level": 3,
"text": "How to watch the games online"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w",
"sizes": "(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"text": "How to watch the game in person"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
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"\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n"
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"Events hosted by ValQueeries",
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"Salesforce Park in San Francisco (starts Monday)",
"The Center in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)",
"Rikki’s in San Francisco",
"Hi Tops in San Francisco",
"Mother in San Francisco",
"Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco",
"Valley Tavern in San Francisco",
"Providence Night Club in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"Woodbury Bar in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"Skylark in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)",
"The Disability Cultural Center in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)",
"George & Walt’s in Oakland",
"Xingones Cantina in Oakland",
"Oakland Athletic Club in Oakland",
"White Horse Bar in Oakland",
"Understory in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)",
"Barebottle Brewing Company in Santa Clara",
"Rookie’s Sports Lodge in San José"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
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},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n"
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},
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n"
]
},
{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Where you can watch the Valkyries’ games as the team makes it to the WNBA Finals in its second year.",
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"title": "‘Ballhalla Better Be Prepping’: Where to Cheer on the Valkyries in the WNBA Finals | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>The Golden State Valkyries have made it \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">to the 2026 Women’s National Basketball Association Finals\u003c/a> in their second year ever.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And they’re stunningly close to \u003ca href=\"https://frontofficesports.com/article/natalie-nakase-valkyries-coach-wnba/\">fulfilling owner Joe Lacob’s request to coach Natalie Nakase\u003c/a> to win a championship in the first five years.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been an exhilarating season for the Valkyries — now \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103702/golden-state-valkyries-advance-to-wnba-finals-after-sweeping-las-vegas-aces\">the most valuable team in the league \u003c/a>— and its passionate fanbase that turns homecourt Chase Center into “Ballhalla.” And the stakes just got higher when the Valkyries won three straight games to knock out the defending champions, the Las Vegas Aces. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(It’s worth noting that this outcome was \u003cem>very\u003c/em> much not expected by \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50090641/wnba-playoffs-2026-semifinals-preview-postseason-prediction-odds-aces-valkyries-dream-liberty\">sports commentators\u003c/a>. As Valkyries forward Gabby Williams said during a post-game conference, \u003ca href=\"https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/golden-state-valkyries-earned-wnba-201306407.html\">“We about to have some bandwagoners.”\u003c/a>)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1999\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12103944\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/10092026Valkyries-Friday-Night_GH_017_qed-121b07fd-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Four Golden State Valkyries fans wear matching Kaitlyn Chen jerseys while watching the team’s playoff game against the Las Vegas Aces at Standard Deviant Brewing in San Francisco on Oct. 9, 2026. (Gustavo Hernandez/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In fact, this year will be the first WNBA finals since 2021 without either the Las Vegas Aces or the New York Liberty — both knocked out during the semifinals. Instead, the Valkyries will be going up against the Atlanta Dream, who also won three games out of five. The Dream have also never won a championship and are hungry for it — especially with WNBA star Angel Reese taking the stage.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nakase rallied the fans during \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DeexaPdC_2D/\">an interview during a Valkyries practice\u003c/a> this week.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Ballhalla better be prepping for a game plan. As soon as [the Atlanta Dream] is announced, I need some hostility,” Nakase said. “If they are shooting free throws, I need that thing to be rocking.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“We definitely gotta use Ballhalla’s essence,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Keep reading to find out where you can cheer on the Valkyries and how you can follow the WNBA finals this month. And if you’re entirely new to the whole basketball thing, don’t worry: We got you. KQED has a guide to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area\">joining the WNBA fandom in the Bay\u003c/a> and what to know about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla\">the Valkyries’ inaugural year\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">First, when is the Valkyries game this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The Valkyries will play the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in Game 1 of the WNBA finals on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 12:30 p.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Remind me: How do the WNBA finals work?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>WNBA finals are a best-of-7 format — meaning Game 5, 6 and 7 may not happen if one team sweeps the first four. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12101439\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/260925-VioletDay-NG-16-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Golden State Valkyries flag flies outside San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco ahead of the Valkyries playoff push on Sept. 25, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After Saturday’s Game 1, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valkyries/p/DecMDPbNKfw/?hl=en\">schedule is as follows\u003c/a>:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 26 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 29 at 5 p.m. (away)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Oct. 31 at 5 p.m. (home)\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>After pushback from WNBA fans and \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/JanieMcCAP/status/2110106023520502236?s=46\">even Valkyries owner Lacob\u003c/a>, the Atlanta Dream will now be \u003ca href=\"https://www.espn.com/wnba/story/_/id/50174735/wnba-finals-games-3-4-held-atlanta-state-farm-arena\">playing their first two home games at the State Farm Arena\u003c/a>, which can seat more than 17,000 people, rather than its much smaller regular venue in College Park.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where can I watch the WNBA playoff games?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the games online\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The WNBA website has \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all\">a list of ways to watch each game\u003c/a>, since this can change for specific matches. For the finals, it’s primarily \u003ca href=\"https://www.peacocktv.com/sports/wnba#ib-section-section-6\">Peacock/NBC\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usanetwork.com/usa-insider/2026-wnba-schedule-how-to-watch-on-usa-network-online-streaming\">USA\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.cnbc.com/live-tv/\">CNBC.\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>You can also get access to these channels through platforms like \u003ca href=\"https://tv.youtube.com/learn/wnba/\">YouTube TV\u003c/a>, \u003ca href=\"https://www.fubo.tv/welcome\">Fubo\u003c/a> and the \u003ca href=\"https://www.wnba.com/leaguepass?plan=annual\">WNBA League Pass\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102726\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261002-ValkyriesRound1-52-BL-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries mascot Violet lies on the court after the team defeated the Dallas Wings 77-73 in Game 3 of their WNBA first-round playoff series at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game in person\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>KQED has a thorough guide on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12047885/golden-state-valkyries-wnba-schedule-fandom-chase-center-san-francisco-ballhalla#chase-center-san-francisco-parking\">how to attend a Valkyries game at Chase Center\u003c/a>, including transportation, parking and bag policy. Keep in mind that if you are driving into San Francisco, over a mile of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104093/101-i-80-closure-san-francisco-october-16-19-valkyries-wnba-finals-chase-center-bay-bridge-detour-traffic\">Highway 101 southbound is closed\u003c/a> this weekend.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Finals tickets are available on \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/schedule?season=2026&month=all&location=all&opponent=all\">the Valkyries’ website\u003c/a>. The \u003cem>guaranteed \u003c/em>games at Chase Center are Saturday, Oct. 17 and Monday, Oct. 19. But expect higher-than-usual price tags — for Saturday, \u003ca href=\"https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/1C006529C5D8349C?brand=valkyries&artistid=3369949&wt.mc_id=WNBA_TEAM_GS_R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG&utm_source=WNBA.com&utm_medium=client_PM&utm_campaign=WNBA_TEAM_GS&utm_content=R3_A_PLAYOFFS_SGT_PG\">the tickets range from $223 to over $1,300\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If necessary, the next games played at home will be on Monday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 31.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If you do end up attending in person, get ready to be loud. Ballhalla is \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">already known as the loudest WNBA fandom around\u003c/a>, sometimes even known as the team’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101576/fans-rally-at-chase-center-as-valkyries-win-their-first-playoff-game-on-sunday\">“sixth man”\u003c/a> on court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to watch the game at a bar\u003c/h3>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For away games, there’ll be \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">watch parties inside Chase Center\u003c/a>. According to the Valkyries’ Instagram account, tickets for these events will \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefNZk-Bdee/\">go live on Thursday\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But even if you don’t have tickets to Chase Center, you can still enjoy the vibes of Ballhalla at plenty of spots across the Bay, as detailed in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12096884/in-the-midst-of-basketball-and-baseball-season-how-to-join-womens-sports-fandom-in-the-bay-area#basketball\">KQED’s guide to the WNBA season\u003c/a> — which also includes a map from \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/roughnotes.mgs/\">sports journalist Maya Goldberg-Safir\u003c/a> of key places to meet other fans.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>(Remember: If you’re going to watch at a sports bar, be sure to get there at \u003cem>least \u003c/em>an hour and a half early. Rooms get packed very quickly.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Highlights include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://partiful.com/e/wCPDm5uWjBpyTOpS21qr?\">Valkyries Tailgate\u003c/a> on Saturday at Chase Center in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/valqueeries/\">ValQueeries\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleswatchparty/\">The People’s Watch Party\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Events hosted by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/hysteriasportsbar/\">Hysteria\u003c/a>\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiFsU9gZAo/\">Salesforce Park\u003c/a> in San Francisco (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeiaVjHmGdg/\">The Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco’s Japantown (starts Monday)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/arts/13977457/rikkis-first-womens-sports-bar-bay-area-open-castro-sf-valkyries\">Rikki’s\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://hitopsbar.com/san-francisco/\">Hi Tops\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.mothersf.com/\">Mother\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.standarddeviantbrewing.com/\">Standard Deviant Brewing\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DeZ57cjyJXS\">Valley Tavern\u003c/a> in San Francisco\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-finals-watch-party-game-1-at-providence-sf-tickets-2003382664479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Providence Night Club\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-dream-wnba-finals-watch-party-at-woodbury-tickets-2003389742650?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Woodbury Bar\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.eventbrite.com/e/golden-state-valkyries-vs-atlanta-dream-watch-party-101726-tickets-2003326878622?aff=ebdssbdestsearch\">Skylark\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/DefqDI3l7Wt/\">The Disability Cultural Center\u003c/a> in San Francisco (for Wednesday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/georgeandwaltsbar/?hl=en\">George & Walt’s\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://xingones.com/\">Xingones Cantina\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.oaklandathleticclub.com/\">Oakland Athletic Club\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/whitehorsebar/?hl=en\">White Horse Bar\u003c/a> in Oakland\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dedf-mhO6Fh/\">Understory\u003c/a> in Oakland (for Saturday’s game)\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.barebottle.com/santa-clara-taproom\">Barebottle Brewing Company\u003c/a> in Santa Clara\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003ca href=\"https://www.rookieslodge.com/\">Rookie’s Sports Lodge\u003c/a> in San José\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The team’s own website also has \u003ca href=\"https://valkyries.wnba.com/bar-network\">a list of bars in the Bay\u003c/a> to go to for Valkyries games.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>And if you have time, swing by \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/\">“Boohalla”\u003c/a> — a Valkyries-themed Halloween display in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond district, featuring \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/reel/DeSYb4XyxtK/\">“Natalie NaCauldron”\u003c/a> and \u003ca href=\"https://www.instagram.com/boohalla/p/DeC3BpYEj9z/\">“G. Wicked Williams.”\u003c/a>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "politics-as-profit-or-pure-fiction-bribery-trial-of-ex-oakland-mayor-kicks-off",
"title": "Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s Trial Brings Alleged Quid Pro Quo Into Focus",
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"headTitle": "Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s Trial Brings Alleged Quid Pro Quo Into Focus | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>More than a year after former Oakland Mayor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sheng-thao\">Sheng Thao\u003c/a> and three codefendants were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12022517/fbi-raids-home-san-leandro-council-member-joined-vietnam-trip-sheng-thao\">indicted\u003c/a> in an alleged bribery scheme that roiled the city’s political circles, their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103084/ex-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-is-going-on-trial-for-bribery-heres-what-you-need-to-know\">long-awaited trial\u003c/a> got underway Wednesday with five very different storylines. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Prosecutors allege Thao, her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, and father and son Andy and David Duong engaged in a quid pro quo: In the run-up to the 2022 mayoral election, the Duongs would fund a negative ad campaign against Thao’s opponents and pay Jones $300,000 for a no-show job. In exchange, Thao would use her power if elected mayor to give favorable treatment to the Duongs’ business, California Waste Solutions, as well as to a housing startup called Evolutionary Homes that sought to turn shipping containers into homes for people exiting homelessness.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Sheng Thao was a public official on the take, and she and Andre Jones were open for business,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham Fine said during his opening statement to the court. “David and Andy Duong were looking for results and were willing to pay bribes to get them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104353\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Assistant United States Attorney Abraham Fine gives his opening statement during the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, as codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong sit to the side, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is not politics as usual,” he said, “this is politics as profit.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each of the defendants has pleaded not guilty, and none spoke to reporters after opening statements on Tuesday. While each of their attorneys painted a different picture of what actually happened between the parties, they all agreed that Mario Juarez — the Duongs’ former business partner and the prosecution’s key witness — should not be believed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The narrator of this story is that person named Mario Juarez, and what you will quickly discover is that the story that has been introduced to you is pure fiction,” Thao’s attorney, Jeffrey Tsai, said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The trial comes more than two years after the FBI executed early morning raids of the home Thao shared with Jones, as well as Andy and David Duong’s homes and California Waste Solutions’ headquarters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The operation added fuel to a campaign already underway to recall Thao. She was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012357/sheng-thao-accepts-defeat-in-contentious-oakland-mayoral-recall\">removed from office\u003c/a> in November 2024 and indicted on the bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges shortly after. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sheng Thao was not for sale\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai painted Thao as a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11931400/sheng-thao-oaklands-next-mayor\">young, determined politician\u003c/a> who came into office in January 2023 prepared to tackle major challenges facing the city of Oakland — from a homelessness crisis and budget deficit to gun violence.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thao had known Juarez from her years as a staffer in Oakland City Hall, but Tsai said Thao kept him at a comfortable distance. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai alleged Juarez repeatedly tried to offer Thao support throughout her 2022 mayoral campaign. When they finally met in October, just weeks before Election Day, Juarez allegedly told Thao that labor unions sent him to help her win, and he planned to produce a political mailer in support of her race.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104424\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeffrey Tsai (left), attorney for former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (second from right), gives his opening statements in the federal corruption trial of Thao and codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There was certainly no agreement for any bribe of any kind, no discussion of $300,000 or modular housing units,” Tsai said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai said that after her election, Juarez repeatedly appealed to Thao, advocating for city contracts for companies he was affiliated with, including ABC Security Service Inc. — which provides \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2025/12/17/oakland-leaders-reluctantly-extend-security-contract-again/\">security services\u003c/a> at city properties — and urging her to appoint his favored candidates to top city positions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai said Thao repeatedly rebuked his requests and had no knowledge of any bribery scheme promising city contracts and staff appointments.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The evidence will show that the real Sheng Thao is not the profile of someone who would sell her office that she fought so hard to earn in the first place,” Tsai told the jury.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andre Jones had a ‘real job’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jones’ defense attorney, Mark Goldrosen, spent his opening on behalf of Thao’s longtime romantic partner defending the “government relations” role Jones held with the container home startup Juarez and Andy Duong founded that’s at the center of the case. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a codefendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Goldrosen said Evolutionary Homes aligned with Jones’ interests and qualifications, both in reducing homelessness and working with local governments. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He was hired to serve as a consultant and would be paid on commission. But as the company got off the ground, Goldrosen said he was paid advances, totaling $75,000, to “keep him available” to Evolutionary Homes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">David Duong: A normal businessman\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like Thao, David Duong’s attorney told the court he was oblivious to any scheme. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jeff Schenk described David as a hardworking immigrant from Vietnam and a legitimate businessman. He held the financial power, Schenk said, but had no knowledge of any bribery scheme or deals that his son and Juarez allegedly made with Thao and Jones. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">David Duong, co-owner of California Waste Solutions and a codefendant in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s federal corruption trial, left, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He referred the jury to a series of texts between Andy Duong and Juarez in March 2023, in which Juarez asked Andy if they should “tell David” about updates to their alleged arrangement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If David Duong was a partner in crime … why, five months after the beginning, does Juarez have to ask if they should share?” Schenk said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andy Duong didn’t break any laws\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>None of the other defendants’ stories, however, seemed to vindicate Andy Duong — who prosecutors allege spearheaded negotiations in the scheme with Juarez. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>His counsel, Winston Chan, acknowledged that some of the text communication he had with Juarez, taken out of context, couldn’t be denied. However, he said the government had crafted a story based on “cherry-picked” messages and notes. He said Duong’s texts cheering Thao’s victory were not unusual for a politically engaged voter, and his response to Juarez saying Thao would buy housing units from Evolutionary Homes reflected a startup founder’s shock and excitement that a city might invest. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104322\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andy Duong, son of California Waste Solutions CEO David Duong and a codefendant in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Not one bit of these facts equals the bribery scheme the government is alleging,” Chan said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Whether the pieces of evidence the prosecution presents add up to the story of bribery the government has alleged “lives or dies” on Juarez’s testimony, Chan told the jury, and whether, “when he takes the stand, you believe what he says.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mario Juarez: A ‘consummate hustler’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Throughout the day, defense attorneys repeatedly undermined Juarez’s credibility, describing him as a “consummate hustler” and “vengeful” with a tendency to tell “half truths.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When the source of the information is unreliable, you see that the allegations fall apart,” Schenk said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fine got ahead of the criticism in his own opening statement, saying of Juarez: “You’ll hear and see, he is no angel.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, he said, the Evolutionary Homes cofounder would “give you an insider’s view of this bribery scheme.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He’ll talk about the evidence, what was said in the meetings,” Fine told the jury, “tell you some about his history of doing dirty work for the Duong family.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fine pledged that throughout the trial, prosecutors planned to present copious text messages, taped phone calls, video recordings and financial records chronicling the conspiracy and bribery scheme — and corroborating Juarez’s claims. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you hear Juarez’s testimony, will see how it lines up with all of that other evidence,” Fine told the court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the first day of testimony on Thursday, prosecutors plan to call Leigh Hanson, who served as Thao’s chief of staff. Hanson parted with the city shortly after Kevin Jenkins took office as interim mayor following Thao’s recall and subsequently \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/04/01/leigh-hanson-oakland-mayor-chief-of-staff-whistleblower-lawsuit/\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> against Oakland alleging that she was wrongfully fired.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>More than a year after former Oakland Mayor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sheng-thao\">Sheng Thao\u003c/a> and three codefendants were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12022517/fbi-raids-home-san-leandro-council-member-joined-vietnam-trip-sheng-thao\">indicted\u003c/a> in an alleged bribery scheme that roiled the city’s political circles, their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103084/ex-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-is-going-on-trial-for-bribery-heres-what-you-need-to-know\">long-awaited trial\u003c/a> got underway Wednesday with five very different storylines. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>More than a year after former Oakland Mayor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sheng-thao\">Sheng Thao\u003c/a> and three codefendants were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12022517/fbi-raids-home-san-leandro-council-member-joined-vietnam-trip-sheng-thao\">indicted\u003c/a> in an alleged bribery scheme that roiled the city’s political circles, their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103084/ex-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-is-going-on-trial-for-bribery-heres-what-you-need-to-know\">long-awaited trial\u003c/a> got underway Wednesday with five very different storylines. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Prosecutors allege Thao, her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, and father and son Andy and David Duong engaged in a quid pro quo: In the run-up to the 2022 mayoral election, the Duongs would fund a negative ad campaign against Thao’s opponents and pay Jones $300,000 for a no-show job. In exchange, Thao would use her power if elected mayor to give favorable treatment to the Duongs’ business, California Waste Solutions, as well as to a housing startup called Evolutionary Homes that sought to turn shipping containers into homes for people exiting homelessness.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Prosecutors allege Thao, her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, and father and son Andy and David Duong engaged in a quid pro quo: In the run-up to the 2022 mayoral election, the Duongs would fund a negative ad campaign against Thao’s opponents and pay Jones $300,000 for a no-show job. In exchange, Thao would use her power if elected mayor to give favorable treatment to the Duongs’ business, California Waste Solutions, as well as to a housing startup called Evolutionary Homes that sought to turn shipping containers into homes for people exiting homelessness.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Sheng Thao was a public official on the take, and she and Andre Jones were open for business,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham Fine said during his opening statement to the court. “David and Andy Duong were looking for results and were willing to pay bribes to get them.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Sheng Thao was a public official on the take, and she and Andre Jones were open for business,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham Fine said during his opening statement to the court. “David and Andy Duong were looking for results and were willing to pay bribes to get them.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104353\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Assistant United States Attorney Abraham Fine gives his opening statement during the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, as codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong sit to the side, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104353\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Assistant United States Attorney Abraham Fine gives his opening statement during the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, as codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong sit to the side, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is not politics as usual,” he said, “this is politics as profit.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Each of the defendants has pleaded not guilty, and none spoke to reporters after opening statements on Tuesday. While each of their attorneys painted a different picture of what actually happened between the parties, they all agreed that Mario Juarez — the Duongs’ former business partner and the prosecution’s key witness — should not be believed.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Each of the defendants has pleaded not guilty, and none spoke to reporters after opening statements on Tuesday. While each of their attorneys painted a different picture of what actually happened between the parties, they all agreed that Mario Juarez — the Duongs’ former business partner and the prosecution’s key witness — should not be believed.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The narrator of this story is that person named Mario Juarez, and what you will quickly discover is that the story that has been introduced to you is pure fiction,” Thao’s attorney, Jeffrey Tsai, said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The narrator of this story is that person named Mario Juarez, and what you will quickly discover is that the story that has been introduced to you is pure fiction,” Thao’s attorney, Jeffrey Tsai, said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The trial comes more than two years after the FBI executed early morning raids of the home Thao shared with Jones, as well as Andy and David Duong’s homes and California Waste Solutions’ headquarters. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The trial comes more than two years after the FBI executed early morning raids of the home Thao shared with Jones, as well as Andy and David Duong’s homes and California Waste Solutions’ headquarters. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The operation added fuel to a campaign already underway to recall Thao. She was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012357/sheng-thao-accepts-defeat-in-contentious-oakland-mayoral-recall\">removed from office\u003c/a> in November 2024 and indicted on the bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges shortly after. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The operation added fuel to a campaign already underway to recall Thao. She was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012357/sheng-thao-accepts-defeat-in-contentious-oakland-mayoral-recall\">removed from office\u003c/a> in November 2024 and indicted on the bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges shortly after. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tsai painted Thao as a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11931400/sheng-thao-oaklands-next-mayor\">young, determined politician\u003c/a> who came into office in January 2023 prepared to tackle major challenges facing the city of Oakland — from a homelessness crisis and budget deficit to gun violence.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tsai painted Thao as a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11931400/sheng-thao-oaklands-next-mayor\">young, determined politician\u003c/a> who came into office in January 2023 prepared to tackle major challenges facing the city of Oakland — from a homelessness crisis and budget deficit to gun violence.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Thao had known Juarez from her years as a staffer in Oakland City Hall, but Tsai said Thao kept him at a comfortable distance. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Thao had known Juarez from her years as a staffer in Oakland City Hall, but Tsai said Thao kept him at a comfortable distance. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tsai alleged Juarez repeatedly tried to offer Thao support throughout her 2022 mayoral campaign. When they finally met in October, just weeks before Election Day, Juarez allegedly told Thao that labor unions sent him to help her win, and he planned to produce a political mailer in support of her race.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tsai alleged Juarez repeatedly tried to offer Thao support throughout her 2022 mayoral campaign. When they finally met in October, just weeks before Election Day, Juarez allegedly told Thao that labor unions sent him to help her win, and he planned to produce a political mailer in support of her race.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104424\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeffrey Tsai (left), attorney for former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (second from right), gives his opening statements in the federal corruption trial of Thao and codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104424\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeffrey Tsai (left), attorney for former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (second from right), gives his opening statements in the federal corruption trial of Thao and codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There was certainly no agreement for any bribe of any kind, no discussion of $300,000 or modular housing units,” Tsai said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There was certainly no agreement for any bribe of any kind, no discussion of $300,000 or modular housing units,” Tsai said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tsai said that after her election, Juarez repeatedly appealed to Thao, advocating for city contracts for companies he was affiliated with, including ABC Security Service Inc. — which provides \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2025/12/17/oakland-leaders-reluctantly-extend-security-contract-again/\">security services\u003c/a> at city properties — and urging her to appoint his favored candidates to top city positions. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tsai said that after her election, Juarez repeatedly appealed to Thao, advocating for city contracts for companies he was affiliated with, including ABC Security Service Inc. — which provides \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2025/12/17/oakland-leaders-reluctantly-extend-security-contract-again/\">security services\u003c/a> at city properties — and urging her to appoint his favored candidates to top city positions. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tsai said Thao repeatedly rebuked his requests and had no knowledge of any bribery scheme promising city contracts and staff appointments.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tsai said Thao repeatedly rebuked his requests and had no knowledge of any bribery scheme promising city contracts and staff appointments.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The evidence will show that the real Sheng Thao is not the profile of someone who would sell her office that she fought so hard to earn in the first place,” Tsai told the jury.\u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "Andre Jones had a ‘real job’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andre Jones had a ‘real job’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jones’ defense attorney, Mark Goldrosen, spent his opening on behalf of Thao’s longtime romantic partner defending the “government relations” role Jones held with the container home startup Juarez and Andy Duong founded that’s at the center of the case. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Jones’ defense attorney, Mark Goldrosen, spent his opening on behalf of Thao’s longtime romantic partner defending the “government relations” role Jones held with the container home startup Juarez and Andy Duong founded that’s at the center of the case. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a codefendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a codefendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Goldrosen said Evolutionary Homes aligned with Jones’ interests and qualifications, both in reducing homelessness and working with local governments. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He was hired to serve as a consultant and would be paid on commission. But as the company got off the ground, Goldrosen said he was paid advances, totaling $75,000, to “keep him available” to Evolutionary Homes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He was hired to serve as a consultant and would be paid on commission. But as the company got off the ground, Goldrosen said he was paid advances, totaling $75,000, to “keep him available” to Evolutionary Homes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Like Thao, David Duong’s attorney told the court he was oblivious to any scheme. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jeff Schenk described David as a hardworking immigrant from Vietnam and a legitimate businessman. He held the financial power, Schenk said, but had no knowledge of any bribery scheme or deals that his son and Juarez allegedly made with Thao and Jones. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Jeff Schenk described David as a hardworking immigrant from Vietnam and a legitimate businessman. He held the financial power, Schenk said, but had no knowledge of any bribery scheme or deals that his son and Juarez allegedly made with Thao and Jones. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">David Duong, co-owner of California Waste Solutions and a codefendant in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s federal corruption trial, left, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>None of the other defendants’ stories, however, seemed to vindicate Andy Duong — who prosecutors allege spearheaded negotiations in the scheme with Juarez. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>His counsel, Winston Chan, acknowledged that some of the text communication he had with Juarez, taken out of context, couldn’t be denied. However, he said the government had crafted a story based on “cherry-picked” messages and notes. He said Duong’s texts cheering Thao’s victory were not unusual for a politically engaged voter, and his response to Juarez saying Thao would buy housing units from Evolutionary Homes reflected a startup founder’s shock and excitement that a city might invest. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>His counsel, Winston Chan, acknowledged that some of the text communication he had with Juarez, taken out of context, couldn’t be denied. However, he said the government had crafted a story based on “cherry-picked” messages and notes. He said Duong’s texts cheering Thao’s victory were not unusual for a politically engaged voter, and his response to Juarez saying Thao would buy housing units from Evolutionary Homes reflected a startup founder’s shock and excitement that a city might invest. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Not one bit of these facts equals the bribery scheme the government is alleging,” Chan said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Whether the pieces of evidence the prosecution presents add up to the story of bribery the government has alleged “lives or dies” on Juarez’s testimony, Chan told the jury, and whether, “when he takes the stand, you believe what he says.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fine got ahead of the criticism in his own opening statement, saying of Juarez: “You’ll hear and see, he is no angel.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>However, he said, the Evolutionary Homes cofounder would “give you an insider’s view of this bribery scheme.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“He’ll talk about the evidence, what was said in the meetings,” Fine told the jury, “tell you some about his history of doing dirty work for the Duong family.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fine pledged that throughout the trial, prosecutors planned to present copious text messages, taped phone calls, video recordings and financial records chronicling the conspiracy and bribery scheme — and corroborating Juarez’s claims. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“When you hear Juarez’s testimony, will see how it lines up with all of that other evidence,” Fine told the court.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During the first day of testimony on Thursday, prosecutors plan to call Leigh Hanson, who served as Thao’s chief of staff. Hanson parted with the city shortly after Kevin Jenkins took office as interim mayor following Thao’s recall and subsequently \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/04/01/leigh-hanson-oakland-mayor-chief-of-staff-whistleblower-lawsuit/\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> against Oakland alleging that she was wrongfully fired.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>During the first day of testimony on Thursday, prosecutors plan to call Leigh Hanson, who served as Thao’s chief of staff. Hanson parted with the city shortly after Kevin Jenkins took office as interim mayor following Thao’s recall and subsequently \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/04/01/leigh-hanson-oakland-mayor-chief-of-staff-whistleblower-lawsuit/\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> against Oakland alleging that she was wrongfully fired.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "In the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, prosecutors claimed Thao put her political power up for sale, while defense attorneys attempted to impeach the government’s star witness. ",
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"title": "Ex-Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s Trial Brings Alleged Quid Pro Quo Into Focus | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>More than a year after former Oakland Mayor \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/sheng-thao\">Sheng Thao\u003c/a> and three codefendants were \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12022517/fbi-raids-home-san-leandro-council-member-joined-vietnam-trip-sheng-thao\">indicted\u003c/a> in an alleged bribery scheme that roiled the city’s political circles, their \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12103084/ex-oakland-mayor-sheng-thao-is-going-on-trial-for-bribery-heres-what-you-need-to-know\">long-awaited trial\u003c/a> got underway Wednesday with five very different storylines. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Prosecutors allege Thao, her longtime romantic partner Andre Jones, and father and son Andy and David Duong engaged in a quid pro quo: In the run-up to the 2022 mayoral election, the Duongs would fund a negative ad campaign against Thao’s opponents and pay Jones $300,000 for a no-show job. In exchange, Thao would use her power if elected mayor to give favorable treatment to the Duongs’ business, California Waste Solutions, as well as to a housing startup called Evolutionary Homes that sought to turn shipping containers into homes for people exiting homelessness.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Sheng Thao was a public official on the take, and she and Andre Jones were open for business,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Abraham Fine said during his opening statement to the court. “David and Andy Duong were looking for results and were willing to pay bribes to get them.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104353\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch1_VB-KQED-1da243ee-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Assistant United States Attorney Abraham Fine gives his opening statement during the federal corruption trial of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao, as codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong sit to the side, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“This is not politics as usual,” he said, “this is politics as profit.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Each of the defendants has pleaded not guilty, and none spoke to reporters after opening statements on Tuesday. While each of their attorneys painted a different picture of what actually happened between the parties, they all agreed that Mario Juarez — the Duongs’ former business partner and the prosecution’s key witness — should not be believed.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The narrator of this story is that person named Mario Juarez, and what you will quickly discover is that the story that has been introduced to you is pure fiction,” Thao’s attorney, Jeffrey Tsai, said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The trial comes more than two years after the FBI executed early morning raids of the home Thao shared with Jones, as well as Andy and David Duong’s homes and California Waste Solutions’ headquarters. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The operation added fuel to a campaign already underway to recall Thao. She was \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12012357/sheng-thao-accepts-defeat-in-contentious-oakland-mayoral-recall\">removed from office\u003c/a> in November 2024 and indicted on the bribery, fraud and conspiracy charges shortly after. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sheng Thao was not for sale\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai painted Thao as a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11931400/sheng-thao-oaklands-next-mayor\">young, determined politician\u003c/a> who came into office in January 2023 prepared to tackle major challenges facing the city of Oakland — from a homelessness crisis and budget deficit to gun violence.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Thao had known Juarez from her years as a staffer in Oakland City Hall, but Tsai said Thao kept him at a comfortable distance. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai alleged Juarez repeatedly tried to offer Thao support throughout her 2022 mayoral campaign. When they finally met in October, just weeks before Election Day, Juarez allegedly told Thao that labor unions sent him to help her win, and he planned to produce a political mailer in support of her race.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1125\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104424\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ShengThaoOpeningStatements_Sketch2_VB-KQED-e1ec0350-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jeffrey Tsai (left), attorney for former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao (second from right), gives his opening statements in the federal corruption trial of Thao and codefendants Andre Jones, Andy Duong and David Duong, at the U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Vicki Behringer for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There was certainly no agreement for any bribe of any kind, no discussion of $300,000 or modular housing units,” Tsai said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai said that after her election, Juarez repeatedly appealed to Thao, advocating for city contracts for companies he was affiliated with, including ABC Security Service Inc. — which provides \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2025/12/17/oakland-leaders-reluctantly-extend-security-contract-again/\">security services\u003c/a> at city properties — and urging her to appoint his favored candidates to top city positions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tsai said Thao repeatedly rebuked his requests and had no knowledge of any bribery scheme promising city contracts and staff appointments.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The evidence will show that the real Sheng Thao is not the profile of someone who would sell her office that she fought so hard to earn in the first place,” Tsai told the jury.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andre Jones had a ‘real job’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jones’ defense attorney, Mark Goldrosen, spent his opening on behalf of Thao’s longtime romantic partner defending the “government relations” role Jones held with the container home startup Juarez and Andy Duong founded that’s at the center of the case. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-13-BL-KQED-e1d5bdc5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andre Jones, longtime partner of former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and a codefendant in her federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Goldrosen said Evolutionary Homes aligned with Jones’ interests and qualifications, both in reducing homelessness and working with local governments. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He was hired to serve as a consultant and would be paid on commission. But as the company got off the ground, Goldrosen said he was paid advances, totaling $75,000, to “keep him available” to Evolutionary Homes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">David Duong: A normal businessman\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Like Thao, David Duong’s attorney told the court he was oblivious to any scheme. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jeff Schenk described David as a hardworking immigrant from Vietnam and a legitimate businessman. He held the financial power, Schenk said, but had no knowledge of any bribery scheme or deals that his son and Juarez allegedly made with Thao and Jones. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104321\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-14-BL-KQED-8b44fd15-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">David Duong, co-owner of California Waste Solutions and a codefendant in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s federal corruption trial, left, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He referred the jury to a series of texts between Andy Duong and Juarez in March 2023, in which Juarez asked Andy if they should “tell David” about updates to their alleged arrangement. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If David Duong was a partner in crime … why, five months after the beginning, does Juarez have to ask if they should share?” Schenk said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Andy Duong didn’t break any laws\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>None of the other defendants’ stories, however, seemed to vindicate Andy Duong — who prosecutors allege spearheaded negotiations in the scheme with Juarez. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>His counsel, Winston Chan, acknowledged that some of the text communication he had with Juarez, taken out of context, couldn’t be denied. However, he said the government had crafted a story based on “cherry-picked” messages and notes. He said Duong’s texts cheering Thao’s victory were not unusual for a politically engaged voter, and his response to Juarez saying Thao would buy housing units from Evolutionary Homes reflected a startup founder’s shock and excitement that a city might invest. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104322\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261014-ShengThaoOpeningStatements-23-BL-KQED-11da677f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Andy Duong, son of California Waste Solutions CEO David Duong and a codefendant in former Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao’s federal corruption trial, enters the Ronald V. Dellums Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse in Oakland on Oct. 14, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“Not one bit of these facts equals the bribery scheme the government is alleging,” Chan said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Whether the pieces of evidence the prosecution presents add up to the story of bribery the government has alleged “lives or dies” on Juarez’s testimony, Chan told the jury, and whether, “when he takes the stand, you believe what he says.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mario Juarez: A ‘consummate hustler’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Throughout the day, defense attorneys repeatedly undermined Juarez’s credibility, describing him as a “consummate hustler” and “vengeful” with a tendency to tell “half truths.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When the source of the information is unreliable, you see that the allegations fall apart,” Schenk said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fine got ahead of the criticism in his own opening statement, saying of Juarez: “You’ll hear and see, he is no angel.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>However, he said, the Evolutionary Homes cofounder would “give you an insider’s view of this bribery scheme.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“He’ll talk about the evidence, what was said in the meetings,” Fine told the jury, “tell you some about his history of doing dirty work for the Duong family.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fine pledged that throughout the trial, prosecutors planned to present copious text messages, taped phone calls, video recordings and financial records chronicling the conspiracy and bribery scheme — and corroborating Juarez’s claims. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“When you hear Juarez’s testimony, will see how it lines up with all of that other evidence,” Fine told the court.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>During the first day of testimony on Thursday, prosecutors plan to call Leigh Hanson, who served as Thao’s chief of staff. Hanson parted with the city shortly after Kevin Jenkins took office as interim mayor following Thao’s recall and subsequently \u003ca href=\"https://oaklandside.org/2026/04/01/leigh-hanson-oakland-mayor-chief-of-staff-whistleblower-lawsuit/\">filed a lawsuit\u003c/a> against Oakland alleging that she was wrongfully fired.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/ahall\">Alex Hall\u003c/a> contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
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"marketplace": {
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"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
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"masters-of-scale": {
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},
"mindshift": {
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"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
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"order": 12
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
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"morning-edition": {
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"onourwatch": {
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"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
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"info": "Our weekly podcast explores how the media 'sausage' is made, casts an incisive eye on fluctuations in the marketplace of ideas, and examines threats to the freedom of information and expression in America and abroad. For one hour a week, the show tries to lift the veil from the process of \"making media,\" especially news media, because it's through that lens that we see the world and the world sees us",
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},
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},
"pbs-newshour": {
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},
"perspectives": {
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"order": 14
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"info": "The economy explained. Imagine you could call up a friend and say, Meet me at the bar and tell me what's going on with the economy. Now imagine that's actually a fun evening.",
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"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/planetmoney.jpg",
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"link": "/radio/program/planet-money",
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"politicalbreakdown": {
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"title": "Political Breakdown",
"tagline": "Politics from a personal perspective",
"info": "Political Breakdown is a new series that explores the political intersection of California and the nation. Each week hosts Scott Shafer and Marisa Lagos are joined with a new special guest to unpack politics -- with personality — and offer an insider’s glimpse at how politics happens.",
"airtime": "THU 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Political-Breakdown-2024-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"order": 5
},
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"possible": {
"id": "possible",
"title": "Possible",
"info": "Possible is hosted by entrepreneur Reid Hoffman and writer Aria Finger. Together in Possible, Hoffman and Finger lead enlightening discussions about building a brighter collective future. The show features interviews with visionary guests like Trevor Noah, Sam Altman and Janette Sadik-Khan. Possible paints an optimistic portrait of the world we can create through science, policy, business, art and our shared humanity. It asks: What if everything goes right for once? How can we get there? Each episode also includes a short fiction story generated by advanced AI GPT-4, serving as a thought-provoking springboard to speculate how humanity could leverage technology for good.",
"airtime": "SUN 2pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Possible-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.possible.fm/",
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"source": "Possible"
},
"link": "/radio/program/possible",
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"spotify": "https://open.spotify.com/show/730YpdUSNlMyPQwNnyjp4k"
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},
"pri-the-world": {
"id": "pri-the-world",
"title": "PRI's The World: Latest Edition",
"info": "Each weekday, host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories in an hour of radio that reminds us just how small our planet really is.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 2pm-3pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-World-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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},
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},
"radiolab": {
"id": "radiolab",
"title": "Radiolab",
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