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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least two Bay Area public transit agencies broke post-pandemic ridership records on Wednesday, as thousands of cheering fans rode buses and trains to San Francisco’s waterfront for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107889/valkyries-parade-draws-thousands-to-san-franciscos-embarcadero-for-wnba-championship-celebration\">Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA championship parade\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Valkyries fever is very real,” said Parisa Safarzadeh, the director of communications for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which runs Muni, the city’s public transit service. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muni logged just over 600,000 trips on Wednesday, Safarzadeh said, besting the previous post-pandemic single-day ridership record set last month by more than 10,000 trips. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Given ridership is usually lower in November than it is in October, seeing such a big day in November is pretty noteworthy to us,” Safarzadeh said. \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/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni Metro line in San Francisco on Nov. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/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-1 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=\"12108466\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108466\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries player Veronica Burton greets the crowd lining the Embarcadero during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/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=\"12108460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108460\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, for a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BART also set a single-day post-pandemic ridership record on Wednesday. The agency said in a \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/SFBART?lang=en\">post\u003c/a> on the social media platform X that it provided over 260,000 trips, with big upticks at Embarcadero and Montgomery stations, near the start of the parade’s route. BART’s previous single-day record was Oct. 6 with over 254,000 trips. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bay Area sports fans have driven these ridership bumps in recent history. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority broke an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091975/vtas-record-breaking-world-cup-ridership-nets-just-around-1-per-trip\">all-time special event ridership record\u003c/a> when World Cup matches came to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BART said in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2026/news20261102\">press release\u003c/a> that 6 out of ten of its highest ridership days have been championship parades. The agency has even attributed bumps in ridership to star baseball players, like the Los Angeles Dodgers’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081663/the-ohtani-effect-and-more-whats-behind-bay-area-transits-comeback\">Shohei Ohtani\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>This week’s packed trains and buses came less than a day after voters in several Bay Area counties carried to victory \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107133/death-spiral-averted-bay-area-transit-taxes-rtm-and-prop-h-declare-victory\">two tax measures\u003c/a> that avert significant service cuts at BART, Muni and several other Bay Area transit agencies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While public transit ridership has been steadily improving across the region since the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies are still not carrying the same number of riders as before shelter-in-place orders and remote work. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, BART has notched monthly year-over-year weekday ridership increases of over 10%, but overall weekday ridership remains slightly above half of what it was before the pandemic. The agency has said remote work has brought “unprecedented ridership changes.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muni’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/blog/muni-bounds-back-september-hitting-post-pandemic-ridership-record\">ridership\u003c/a> has rebounded more significantly. The agency said overall ridership in September was about 84% of pre-pandemic levels, and weekend ridership reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels. Safarzadeh said the agency has seen its 16 highest ridership days since August.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said Muni ridership on the Valkyries’ parade day was more than double what it was in 2022, when the Golden State Warriors held their NBA championship parade.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>BART said in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2026/news20261102\">press release\u003c/a> that 6 out of ten of its highest ridership days have been championship parades. The agency has even attributed bumps in ridership to star baseball players, like the Los Angeles Dodgers’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081663/the-ohtani-effect-and-more-whats-behind-bay-area-transits-comeback\">Shohei Ohtani\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>This week’s packed trains and buses came less than a day after voters in several Bay Area counties carried to victory \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107133/death-spiral-averted-bay-area-transit-taxes-rtm-and-prop-h-declare-victory\">two tax measures\u003c/a> that avert significant service cuts at BART, Muni and several other Bay Area transit agencies.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>BART said in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2026/news20261102\">press release\u003c/a> that 6 out of ten of its highest ridership days have been championship parades. The agency has even attributed bumps in ridership to star baseball players, like the Los Angeles Dodgers’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081663/the-ohtani-effect-and-more-whats-behind-bay-area-transits-comeback\">Shohei Ohtani\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>This week’s packed trains and buses came less than a day after voters in several Bay Area counties carried to victory \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107133/death-spiral-averted-bay-area-transit-taxes-rtm-and-prop-h-declare-victory\">two tax measures\u003c/a> that avert significant service cuts at BART, Muni and several other Bay Area transit agencies.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While public transit ridership has been steadily improving across the region since the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies are still not carrying the same number of riders as before shelter-in-place orders and remote work. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While public transit ridership has been steadily improving across the region since the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies are still not carrying the same number of riders as before shelter-in-place orders and remote work. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This year, BART has notched monthly year-over-year weekday ridership increases of over 10%, but overall weekday ridership remains slightly above half of what it was before the pandemic. The agency has said remote work has brought “unprecedented ridership changes.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This year, BART has notched monthly year-over-year weekday ridership increases of over 10%, but overall weekday ridership remains slightly above half of what it was before the pandemic. The agency has said remote work has brought “unprecedented ridership changes.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Muni’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/blog/muni-bounds-back-september-hitting-post-pandemic-ridership-record\">ridership\u003c/a> has rebounded more significantly. The agency said overall ridership in September was about 84% of pre-pandemic levels, and weekend ridership reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels. Safarzadeh said the agency has seen its 16 highest ridership days since August.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>She said Muni ridership on the Valkyries’ parade day was more than double what it was in 2022, when the Golden State Warriors held their NBA championship parade.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>She said Muni ridership on the Valkyries’ parade day was more than double what it was in 2022, when the Golden State Warriors held their NBA championship parade.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Several of the region’s public transit agencies have seen post-pandemic records broken during major sporting events.",
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"title": "Valkyries Parade Helps Muni and BART Break Records, Too | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At least two Bay Area public transit agencies broke post-pandemic ridership records on Wednesday, as thousands of cheering fans rode buses and trains to San Francisco’s waterfront for the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107889/valkyries-parade-draws-thousands-to-san-franciscos-embarcadero-for-wnba-championship-celebration\">Golden State Valkyries’ WNBA championship parade\u003c/a>. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Valkyries fever is very real,” said Parisa Safarzadeh, the director of communications for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, which runs Muni, the city’s public transit service. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muni logged just over 600,000 trips on Wednesday, Safarzadeh said, besting the previous post-pandemic single-day ridership record set last month by more than 10,000 trips. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Given ridership is usually lower in November than it is in October, seeing such a big day in November is pretty noteworthy to us,” Safarzadeh said. \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/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni Metro line in San Francisco on Nov. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/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-1 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=\"12108466\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108466\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-33-BL-KQED-afecb86e-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries player Veronica Burton greets the crowd lining the Embarcadero during the team’s championship parade in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/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=\"12108460\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108460\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261104-ValkyriesParade-21-BL-KQED-274174d8-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Golden State Valkyries fans line the Embarcadero in San Francisco on Nov. 4, 2026, for a parade celebrating the team’s WNBA championship victory. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BART also set a single-day post-pandemic ridership record on Wednesday. The agency said in a \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/SFBART?lang=en\">post\u003c/a> on the social media platform X that it provided over 260,000 trips, with big upticks at Embarcadero and Montgomery stations, near the start of the parade’s route. BART’s previous single-day record was Oct. 6 with over 254,000 trips. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Bay Area sports fans have driven these ridership bumps in recent history. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority broke an \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12091975/vtas-record-breaking-world-cup-ridership-nets-just-around-1-per-trip\">all-time special event ridership record\u003c/a> when World Cup matches came to Levi’s Stadium.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BART said in a \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/news/articles/2026/news20261102\">press release\u003c/a> that 6 out of ten of its highest ridership days have been championship parades. The agency has even attributed bumps in ridership to star baseball players, like the Los Angeles Dodgers’ \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12081663/the-ohtani-effect-and-more-whats-behind-bay-area-transits-comeback\">Shohei Ohtani\u003c/a>.\u003cbr>\u003cbr>This week’s packed trains and buses came less than a day after voters in several Bay Area counties carried to victory \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107133/death-spiral-averted-bay-area-transit-taxes-rtm-and-prop-h-declare-victory\">two tax measures\u003c/a> that avert significant service cuts at BART, Muni and several other Bay Area transit agencies.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While public transit ridership has been steadily improving across the region since the COVID-19 pandemic, agencies are still not carrying the same number of riders as before shelter-in-place orders and remote work. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This year, BART has notched monthly year-over-year weekday ridership increases of over 10%, but overall weekday ridership remains slightly above half of what it was before the pandemic. The agency has said remote work has brought “unprecedented ridership changes.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Muni’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/blog/muni-bounds-back-september-hitting-post-pandemic-ridership-record\">ridership\u003c/a> has rebounded more significantly. The agency said overall ridership in September was about 84% of pre-pandemic levels, and weekend ridership reached 99% of pre-pandemic levels. Safarzadeh said the agency has seen its 16 highest ridership days since August.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She said Muni ridership on the Valkyries’ parade day was more than double what it was in 2022, when the Golden State Warriors held their NBA championship parade.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "101-closure-san-francisco-bay-bridge-november-6-9-detour-traffic",
"title": "Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed Again This Weekend — for the Last Time",
"publishDate": 1793914039,
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"headTitle": "Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed Again This Weekend — for the Last Time | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We’re going to duck when we tell you this: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/highway-101\">Highway 101\u003c/a> through San Francisco will be closed again this weekend, for the fourth time in less than two months.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/caltrans\">Caltrans\u003c/a> said this weekend really \u003cem>does\u003c/em> represent the last 101 closure — for this particular repaving project at least.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting the night of Friday, Nov. 6, over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-27-hospital-curve-closure\">fully closed to all southbound traffic\u003c/a>. The highway won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will especially affect people driving from the East Bay or North Bay to the Peninsula and South Bay, and travelers trying to reach San Francisco International Airport by road. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1978\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108426\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg 1978w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-160x207.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1582x2048.jpg 1582w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1978px) 100vw, 1978px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A map illustrating where Highway 101 through San Francisco will be closed Nov. 6-9.\u003cbr> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But they’ll also impact people just wanting to travel through the city on those days.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer Lori Shepherd said that drivers should know that these closures have “a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you \u003cem>really\u003c/em> have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timing, detours and delays? Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(And if you know someone who’s traveling to SFO from San Francisco by road this weekend, send this to them, too.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where and when will southbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All southbound lanes on 101 between 17th and Cesar Chavez streets will be closed to traffic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The closure starts at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. All southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northbound 101 will remain open during the southbound closure.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I really need to drive south through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While these 101 southbound lanes are closed, Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 southbound\u003c/a> instead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Caltrans, the following on-ramps will be blocked to drivers during the closure:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Fourth Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Seventh Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>10th Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The WB 80-NB 101 Central Freeway Connector\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-sf-101-rehab-hospital-curve/detour-routes\">Caltrans’ list of suggested detours\u003c/a> to get around this weekend’s 101 closures, or watch the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\">video\u003c/a> visualizing the detours:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What other parts of the city could be impacted by the closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shepherd said the greatest traffic impacts from these closures could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans is urging travelers, wherever possible, to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation\u003c/a> to travel through San Francisco during the highway closure, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I feel like there’s been a ton of major road closures in San Francisco recently. What’s going on?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You’re not imagining it. The first northbound closures of this stretch of 101 took place \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>Sept. 4-7\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, over the Labor Day holiday weekend, and \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Sept. 18-21\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>. The southbound lanes were then closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-09-hospital-curve-closure\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Oct. 16-19\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, and will be again this weekend.\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>(And that’s without even mentioning the work taking place this year on nearby I-80, which was last closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-19-i80-wb-weekend-closure-bayshore\">\u003cstrong>Oct. 23-26\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This weekend’s closure represents the last shutdown for 101 in Caltrans’ ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans’ Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and Caltrans timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that fall in San Francisco brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
"blocks": [
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>We’re going to duck when we tell you this: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/highway-101\">Highway 101\u003c/a> through San Francisco will be closed again this weekend, for the fourth time in less than two months.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>We’re going to duck when we tell you this: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/highway-101\">Highway 101\u003c/a> through San Francisco will be closed again this weekend, for the fourth time in less than two months.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/caltrans\">Caltrans\u003c/a> said this weekend really \u003cem>does\u003c/em> represent the last 101 closure — for this particular repaving project at least.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/caltrans\">Caltrans\u003c/a> said this weekend really \u003cem>does\u003c/em> represent the last 101 closure — for this particular repaving project at least.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Starting the night of Friday, Nov. 6, over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-27-hospital-curve-closure\">fully closed to all southbound traffic\u003c/a>. The highway won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Starting the night of Friday, Nov. 6, over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-27-hospital-curve-closure\">fully closed to all southbound traffic\u003c/a>. The highway won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will especially affect people driving from the East Bay or North Bay to the Peninsula and South Bay, and travelers trying to reach San Francisco International Airport by road. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will especially affect people driving from the East Bay or North Bay to the Peninsula and South Bay, and travelers trying to reach San Francisco International Airport by road. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg 1978w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-160x207.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1582x2048.jpg 1582w",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108426\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg 1978w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-160x207.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1582x2048.jpg 1582w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A map illustrating where Highway 101 through San Francisco will be closed Nov. 6-9.\u003cbr>\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\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/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108426\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A map illustrating where Highway 101 through San Francisco will be closed Nov. 6-9.\u003cbr>\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But they’ll also impact people just wanting to travel through the city on those days.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But they’ll also impact people just wanting to travel through the city on those days.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer Lori Shepherd said that drivers should know that these closures have “a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer Lori Shepherd said that drivers should know that these closures have “a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>really\u003c/em> have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timing, detours and delays? Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But if you \u003cem>really\u003c/em> have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timing, detours and delays? Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>(And if you know someone who’s traveling to SFO from San Francisco by road this weekend, send this to them, too.)\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>(And if you know someone who’s traveling to SFO from San Francisco by road this weekend, send this to them, too.)\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Where and when will southbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where and when will southbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where and when will southbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All southbound lanes on 101 between 17th and Cesar Chavez streets will be closed to traffic.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>All southbound lanes on 101 between 17th and Cesar Chavez streets will be closed to traffic.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The closure starts at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. All southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The closure starts at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. All southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Northbound 101 will remain open during the southbound closure.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Northbound 101 will remain open during the southbound closure.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I really need to drive south through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I really need to drive south through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I really need to drive south through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While these 101 southbound lanes are closed, Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 southbound\u003c/a> instead. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While these 101 southbound lanes are closed, Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 southbound\u003c/a> instead. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to Caltrans, the following on-ramps will be blocked to drivers during the closure:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to Caltrans, the following on-ramps will be blocked to drivers during the closure:\u003c/p>\n"
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"The WB 80-NB 101 Central Freeway Connector"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Fourth Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Fourth Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n"
]
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Seventh Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Seventh Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n"
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{
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>10th Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>10th Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerBlocks": [],
"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>The WB 80-NB 101 Central Freeway Connector\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>The WB 80-NB 101 Central Freeway Connector\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Read \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-sf-101-rehab-hospital-curve/detour-routes\">Caltrans’ list of suggested detours\u003c/a> to get around this weekend’s 101 closures, or watch the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\">video\u003c/a> visualizing the detours:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Read \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-sf-101-rehab-hospital-curve/detour-routes\">Caltrans’ list of suggested detours\u003c/a> to get around this weekend’s 101 closures, or watch the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\">video\u003c/a> visualizing the detours:\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What other parts of the city could be impacted by the closures?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What other parts of the city could be impacted by the closures?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What other parts of the city could be impacted by the closures?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Shepherd said the greatest traffic impacts from these closures could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Shepherd said the greatest traffic impacts from these closures could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans is urging travelers, wherever possible, to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation\u003c/a> to travel through San Francisco during the highway closure, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans is urging travelers, wherever possible, to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation\u003c/a> to travel through San Francisco during the highway closure, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "I feel like there’s been a ton of major road closures in San Francisco recently. What’s going on?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I feel like there’s been a ton of major road closures in San Francisco recently. What’s going on?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>You’re not imagining it. The first northbound closures of this stretch of 101 took place \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>Sept. 4-7\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, over the Labor Day holiday weekend, and \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Sept. 18-21\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>. The southbound lanes were then closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-09-hospital-curve-closure\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Oct. 16-19\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, and will be again this weekend.\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>(And that’s without even mentioning the work taking place this year on nearby I-80, which was last closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-19-i80-wb-weekend-closure-bayshore\">\u003cstrong>Oct. 23-26\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>You’re not imagining it. The first northbound closures of this stretch of 101 took place \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>Sept. 4-7\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, over the Labor Day holiday weekend, and \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Sept. 18-21\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>. The southbound lanes were then closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-09-hospital-curve-closure\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Oct. 16-19\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, and will be again this weekend.\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>(And that’s without even mentioning the work taking place this year on nearby I-80, which was last closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-19-i80-wb-weekend-closure-bayshore\">\u003cstrong>Oct. 23-26\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This weekend’s closure represents the last shutdown for 101 in Caltrans’ ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>This weekend’s closure represents the last shutdown for 101 in Caltrans’ ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans’ Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and Caltrans timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and Caltrans timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that fall in San Francisco brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that fall in San Francisco brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Yet another closure starts Friday on southbound 101 through the city. Here’s what to know, including the recommended detours and which travelers will be most affected.",
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"title": "Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed Again This Weekend — for the Last Time | KQED",
"description": "Yet another closure starts Friday on southbound 101 through the city. Here’s what to know, including the recommended detours and which travelers will be most affected.",
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"headline": "Highway 101 Through SF Is Closed Again This Weekend — for the Last Time",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We’re going to duck when we tell you this: \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/highway-101\">Highway 101\u003c/a> through San Francisco will be closed again this weekend, for the fourth time in less than two months.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/caltrans\">Caltrans\u003c/a> said this weekend really \u003cem>does\u003c/em> represent the last 101 closure — for this particular repaving project at least.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting the night of Friday, Nov. 6, over a mile of 101 near Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital will be \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-27-hospital-curve-closure\">fully closed to all southbound traffic\u003c/a>. The highway won’t reopen until early morning on Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These closures on what’s known as the “Hospital Curve” part of 101 will especially affect people driving from the East Bay or North Bay to the Peninsula and South Bay, and travelers trying to reach San Francisco International Airport by road. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1978\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108426\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-scaled.jpg 1978w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-160x207.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1187x1536.jpg 1187w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/FINALSBFAB-4-UCSF-ZUCKERBERG-SF-HOSPITALS-PPT-SB-US-101-102826-ebe7d0a4-1582x2048.jpg 1582w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1978px) 100vw, 1978px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A map illustrating where Highway 101 through San Francisco will be closed Nov. 6-9.\u003cbr> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But they’ll also impact people just wanting to travel through the city on those days.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans’ Bay Area public information officer Lori Shepherd said that drivers should know that these closures have “a major, major impact,” and that any travelers planning to drive in San Francisco during the closure should expect sizable delays getting through the city — not just around 101, but on surrounding streets and detours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But if you \u003cem>really\u003c/em> have to drive through San Francisco this weekend, what should you know about timing, detours and delays? Keep reading for what we know about navigating the upcoming 101 closure without having your weekend completely hijacked by traffic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(And if you know someone who’s traveling to SFO from San Francisco by road this weekend, send this to them, too.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where and when will southbound 101 through San Francisco be closed?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All southbound lanes on 101 between 17th and Cesar Chavez streets will be closed to traffic.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The closure starts at 11 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6. All southbound lanes will reopen by 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 9.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northbound 101 will remain open during the southbound closure.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I really need to drive south through San Francisco during the closures. What detour should I take?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While these 101 southbound lanes are closed, Caltrans recommends that \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">motorists use I-280 southbound\u003c/a> instead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Caltrans, the following on-ramps will be blocked to drivers during the closure:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>Fourth Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Seventh Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>10th Street on-ramp\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>The WB 80-NB 101 Central Freeway Connector\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Read \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-sf-101-rehab-hospital-curve/detour-routes\">Caltrans’ list of suggested detours\u003c/a> to get around this weekend’s 101 closures, or watch the agency’s \u003ca href=\"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb5MLVoHT38\">video\u003c/a> visualizing the detours:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Pb5MLVoHT38'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Pb5MLVoHT38'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What other parts of the city could be impacted by the closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Shepherd said the greatest traffic impacts from these closures could be felt around Cesar Chavez and 17th streets, as well as around Potrero Avenue — and also on entrances to I-280.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans is urging travelers, wherever possible, to take \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/trip-planner\">public\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://www.bart.gov/planner\">transportation\u003c/a> to travel through San Francisco during the highway closure, instead of using the roads.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It “really remains the best option to bypass congestion and work zone delays — because there \u003cem>will\u003c/em> be some major delays getting through the city,” warned Shepherd. Delays from the closures could also have a knock-on effect on other routes through the city.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">I feel like there’s been a ton of major road closures in San Francisco recently. What’s going on?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You’re not imagining it. The first northbound closures of this stretch of 101 took place \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>Sept. 4-7\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, over the Labor Day holiday weekend, and \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-08-19-us101-nb-bayshore-freeway-hospital-curve-upcoming-full-closures\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Sept. 18-21\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>. The southbound lanes were then closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-09-hospital-curve-closure\">\u003cstrong>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>Oct. 16-19\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>, and will be again this weekend.\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>\u003cstrong>\u003cbr>\u003c/strong>(And that’s without even mentioning the work taking place this year on nearby I-80, which was last closed \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-news/2026-10-19-i80-wb-weekend-closure-bayshore\">\u003cstrong>Oct. 23-26\u003c/strong>\u003c/a>.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This weekend’s closure represents the last shutdown for 101 in Caltrans’ ongoing work on what the agency calls “the Fab 4”: 101’s Hospital Curve, I-280, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12080206/whats-the-deal-with-i-80-and-sfs-central-freeway-heres-a-brief-history\">Central Freeway\u003c/a> and 19th Avenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans’ Shepherd attributed the length of the multiple closures to the sheer scope of the “24-7” repaving work being undertaken on 101 at this time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s a major, massive project, if you can imagine, repaving the freeway,” she said, and Caltrans timed these closures “to do it with the least amount of impact on the public,” Shepherd said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The concrete used in this kind of repaving work also needs the kind of dry conditions that fall in San Francisco brings. “There’s a lot of emphasis on getting work done — as much of it completed in the summer during the dry season as much as possible,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s difficult, yes, for the traveling public to have to find ways around,” Shepherd said. “But in the end, it will produce long-term gains, because the road will be safer and smoother to drive [and] less prone to flooding.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/jlara\">\u003cem>Juan Carlos Lara\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "death-spiral-averted-bay-area-transit-taxes-rtm-and-prop-h-declare-victory",
"title": "Death Spiral Averted: Bay Area Transit Taxes RTM and Proposition H Declare Victory",
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"headTitle": "Death Spiral Averted: Bay Area Transit Taxes RTM and Proposition H Declare Victory | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters of Bay Area \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/public-transit\">public transit\u003c/a> cheered election returns on Tuesday that showed two tax measures designed to head off drastic cuts in bus and train service passing easily. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial results from five Bay Area counties showed Measure RTM, a 14-year regional sales tax, well on the way to passage with a 61.5% yes vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jeff Cretan, spokesman for the Connect Bay Area coalition that campaigned for the tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, called the apparent margin of victory “incredible.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This is a huge win for public transit,” Cretan said. “ I think these results show that people believe in the importance of our buses and trains running to get people to work, to get seniors to appointments and to get kids to school. All of that matters for the Bay Area to really thrive.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco’s Proposition H, a separate parcel tax measure targeted at funding only the city’s Muni transit service — also appeared certain to pass with a 72.5% yes 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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108165\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A supporter claps as San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at his election night watch party at Anina in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Measure RTM imposes a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a 1% sales tax in San Francisco to generate about $1 billion a year to maintain current levels of service at BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain and other transit agencies. The sales taxes will also pay for fare discounts, accessibility and wayfinding programs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/proposition-h\">Proposition H\u003c/a> is a San Francisco-specific measure that will tax property owners at different rates based on property type and size in order to generate an estimated $184 million annually for the city’s Muni transit service for 15 years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie hailed the result as a sign of the city’s long-term commitment to better public transportation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Tonight, San Franciscans stood together to build a stronger Muni for all,” Lurie told an election night crowd. “But let me be clear — this is not about spending more money to get the same results. With this infusion of funding comes the responsibility to deliver a better transit system — more reliable, more efficient, safer, and worthy of the people who depend on it every single day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BART General Manager Bob Powers said at an election night party in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood that transit agencies had won voters over by demonstrating they can respond to riders’ needs and deliver improved service. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The last 30 months or so, every decision I’ve made is to try to improve the rider experience, and some of them were difficult decisions,” Powers said. He mentioned BART’s new fare gates and the agency’s improved on-time performance as two major customer-focused improvements.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laura Tolkoff, transportation policy director at SPUR, the San Francisco-based research and policy think tank, appeared stunned as the regional measure built a big early lead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I kind of can’t believe it,” Tolkoff said, adding that the result came as a relief. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There’s been, you know, preparing yourself for possibly a different outcome,” she said. The imminent fiscal crisis for transit operators “was going to affect people in just a few months if this didn’t pass. It’s amazing that we can see that what we have is worth protecting and building on.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The campaign opposed to RTM — the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit — did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the lead-up to Election Day, the committee argued that transit agencies exaggerated potential service cuts to scare voters into approving the tax and said the regional measure lacked accountability guarantees.\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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108123\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caleb Huffman, who works for the regional transit measure campaign, looks at results on the measure from Santa Clara County that were above the campaign’s expectations, at the Yes on RTM watch party hosted by SPUR at The Cordial in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The committee framed opposing the tax as a crucial chance to send a message to the region’s transit agencies that they need to institute major financial reforms. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ They’re promising oversight that is not really there. They’re saying they need money that they don’t really need right now,” said Gregg Dieguez, president of the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit before Tuesday’s vote. “They need real reform, and the reforms they’re promising are toothless and minuscule.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opponents of Proposition H said the passage of the tax was also a missed opportunity to rein in a fiscally irresponsible transit agency.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Mayor Lurie ran on accountability, and this measure has zero accountability. Voters are getting fooled. SFMTA will use Prop. H money to treat the agency like a venture capital business, hire fast, grow fast but with zero goals,” said Marie Hurabiell, executive director of ConnectedSF. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hurabiell claimed the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency could have made budget cuts without impacting service. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coalition that backed the measures included business groups, labor unions and environmental and transit justice advocates. Those supporters joined with the transit agencies themselves to warn that failure to pass the taxes would result in major service cuts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the proposed cuts included: BART closing up to 15 stations and ending service at 9 p.m., Caltrain closing one-third of its stations and eliminating weekend service and AC Transit reducing service by 16% and laying off up to 300 employees.\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/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni Metro line in San Francisco on Nov. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If both measures had failed, Muni warned it could cut up to 20 bus routes, double the wait times on other routes, reduce late night service to 9 p.m. and eliminate cable car and historic streetcar service.. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The major public transit agencies are suffering a deep and lingering fiscal hangover from the collapse of ridership and fare revenue triggered nearly seven years ago at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public transit operators used billions of dollars of emergency federal aid, as well as state assistance, to maintain service levels at slightly below pre-pandemic levels. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The business community has invested significant resources to ensure that [RTM] is successful because they know our economy depends on our ability to get people to and from work,” said Emily Loper, senior vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council, which represents some of the largest employers in the region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under SB 63, the state law that authorized the RTM ballot measure, transit agencies must now undergo a financial efficiency review to identify cost-saving measures. Money from the taxes will begin flowing to the agencies next year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Supporters of Bay Area \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/public-transit\">public transit\u003c/a> cheered election returns on Tuesday that showed two tax measures designed to head off drastic cuts in bus and train service passing easily. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Supporters of Bay Area \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/public-transit\">public transit\u003c/a> cheered election returns on Tuesday that showed two tax measures designed to head off drastic cuts in bus and train service passing easily. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Initial results from five Bay Area counties showed Measure RTM, a 14-year regional sales tax, well on the way to passage with a 61.5% yes vote.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Initial results from five Bay Area counties showed Measure RTM, a 14-year regional sales tax, well on the way to passage with a 61.5% yes vote.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jeff Cretan, spokesman for the Connect Bay Area coalition that campaigned for the tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, called the apparent margin of victory “incredible.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Jeff Cretan, spokesman for the Connect Bay Area coalition that campaigned for the tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, called the apparent margin of victory “incredible.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is a huge win for public transit,” Cretan said. “ I think these results show that people believe in the importance of our buses and trains running to get people to work, to get seniors to appointments and to get kids to school. All of that matters for the Bay Area to really thrive.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This is a huge win for public transit,” Cretan said. “ I think these results show that people believe in the importance of our buses and trains running to get people to work, to get seniors to appointments and to get kids to school. All of that matters for the Bay Area to really thrive.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s Proposition H, a separate parcel tax measure targeted at funding only the city’s Muni transit service — also appeared certain to pass with a 72.5% yes vote.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Francisco’s Proposition H, a separate parcel tax measure targeted at funding only the city’s Muni transit service — also appeared certain to pass with a 72.5% yes 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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108165\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a-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 supporter claps as San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at his election night watch party at Anina in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108165\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A supporter claps as San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at his election night watch party at Anina in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Measure RTM imposes a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a 1% sales tax in San Francisco to generate about $1 billion a year to maintain current levels of service at BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain and other transit agencies. The sales taxes will also pay for fare discounts, accessibility and wayfinding programs.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Measure RTM imposes a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a 1% sales tax in San Francisco to generate about $1 billion a year to maintain current levels of service at BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain and other transit agencies. The sales taxes will also pay for fare discounts, accessibility and wayfinding programs.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/proposition-h\">Proposition H\u003c/a> is a San Francisco-specific measure that will tax property owners at different rates based on property type and size in order to generate an estimated $184 million annually for the city’s Muni transit service for 15 years. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/proposition-h\">Proposition H\u003c/a> is a San Francisco-specific measure that will tax property owners at different rates based on property type and size in order to generate an estimated $184 million annually for the city’s Muni transit service for 15 years. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie hailed the result as a sign of the city’s long-term commitment to better public transportation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Tonight, San Franciscans stood together to build a stronger Muni for all,” Lurie told an election night crowd. “But let me be clear — this is not about spending more money to get the same results. With this infusion of funding comes the responsibility to deliver a better transit system — more reliable, more efficient, safer, and worthy of the people who depend on it every single day.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Tonight, San Franciscans stood together to build a stronger Muni for all,” Lurie told an election night crowd. “But let me be clear — this is not about spending more money to get the same results. With this infusion of funding comes the responsibility to deliver a better transit system — more reliable, more efficient, safer, and worthy of the people who depend on it every single day.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>BART General Manager Bob Powers said at an election night party in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood that transit agencies had won voters over by demonstrating they can respond to riders’ needs and deliver improved service. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>BART General Manager Bob Powers said at an election night party in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood that transit agencies had won voters over by demonstrating they can respond to riders’ needs and deliver improved service. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The last 30 months or so, every decision I’ve made is to try to improve the rider experience, and some of them were difficult decisions,” Powers said. He mentioned BART’s new fare gates and the agency’s improved on-time performance as two major customer-focused improvements.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The last 30 months or so, every decision I’ve made is to try to improve the rider experience, and some of them were difficult decisions,” Powers said. He mentioned BART’s new fare gates and the agency’s improved on-time performance as two major customer-focused improvements.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Laura Tolkoff, transportation policy director at SPUR, the San Francisco-based research and policy think tank, appeared stunned as the regional measure built a big early lead. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Laura Tolkoff, transportation policy director at SPUR, the San Francisco-based research and policy think tank, appeared stunned as the regional measure built a big early lead. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I kind of can’t believe it,” Tolkoff said, adding that the result came as a relief. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I kind of can’t believe it,” Tolkoff said, adding that the result came as a relief. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s been, you know, preparing yourself for possibly a different outcome,” she said. The imminent fiscal crisis for transit operators “was going to affect people in just a few months if this didn’t pass. It’s amazing that we can see that what we have is worth protecting and building on.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There’s been, you know, preparing yourself for possibly a different outcome,” she said. The imminent fiscal crisis for transit operators “was going to affect people in just a few months if this didn’t pass. It’s amazing that we can see that what we have is worth protecting and building on.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The campaign opposed to RTM — the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit — did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The campaign opposed to RTM — the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit — did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In the lead-up to Election Day, the committee argued that transit agencies exaggerated potential service cuts to scare voters into approving the tax and said the regional measure lacked accountability guarantees.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In the lead-up to Election Day, the committee argued that transit agencies exaggerated potential service cuts to scare voters into approving the tax and said the regional measure lacked accountability guarantees.\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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108123\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caleb Huffman, who works for the regional transit measure campaign, looks at results on the measure from Santa Clara County that were above the campaign’s expectations, at the Yes on RTM watch party hosted by SPUR at The Cordial in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108123\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caleb Huffman, who works for the regional transit measure campaign, looks at results on the measure from Santa Clara County that were above the campaign’s expectations, at the Yes on RTM watch party hosted by SPUR at The Cordial in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The committee framed opposing the tax as a crucial chance to send a message to the region’s transit agencies that they need to institute major financial reforms. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ They’re promising oversight that is not really there. They’re saying they need money that they don’t really need right now,” said Gregg Dieguez, president of the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit before Tuesday’s vote. “They need real reform, and the reforms they’re promising are toothless and minuscule.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ They’re promising oversight that is not really there. They’re saying they need money that they don’t really need right now,” said Gregg Dieguez, president of the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit before Tuesday’s vote. “They need real reform, and the reforms they’re promising are toothless and minuscule.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Opponents of Proposition H said the passage of the tax was also a missed opportunity to rein in a fiscally irresponsible transit agency.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Mayor Lurie ran on accountability, and this measure has zero accountability. Voters are getting fooled. SFMTA will use Prop. H money to treat the agency like a venture capital business, hire fast, grow fast but with zero goals,” said Marie Hurabiell, executive director of ConnectedSF. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Mayor Lurie ran on accountability, and this measure has zero accountability. Voters are getting fooled. SFMTA will use Prop. H money to treat the agency like a venture capital business, hire fast, grow fast but with zero goals,” said Marie Hurabiell, executive director of ConnectedSF. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hurabiell claimed the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency could have made budget cuts without impacting service. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The coalition that backed the measures included business groups, labor unions and environmental and transit justice advocates. Those supporters joined with the transit agencies themselves to warn that failure to pass the taxes would result in major service cuts.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The coalition that backed the measures included business groups, labor unions and environmental and transit justice advocates. Those supporters joined with the transit agencies themselves to warn that failure to pass the taxes would result in major service cuts.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Some of the proposed cuts included: BART closing up to 15 stations and ending service at 9 p.m., Caltrain closing one-third of its stations and eliminating weekend service and AC Transit reducing service by 16% and laying off up to 300 employees.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Some of the proposed cuts included: BART closing up to 15 stations and ending service at 9 p.m., Caltrain closing one-third of its stations and eliminating weekend service and AC Transit reducing service by 16% and laying off up to 300 employees.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>If both measures had failed, Muni warned it could cut up to 20 bus routes, double the wait times on other routes, reduce late night service to 9 p.m. and eliminate cable car and historic streetcar service.. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The major public transit agencies are suffering a deep and lingering fiscal hangover from the collapse of ridership and fare revenue triggered nearly seven years ago at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The business community has invested significant resources to ensure that [RTM] is successful because they know our economy depends on our ability to get people to and from work,” said Emily Loper, senior vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council, which represents some of the largest employers in the region.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“The business community has invested significant resources to ensure that [RTM] is successful because they know our economy depends on our ability to get people to and from work,” said Emily Loper, senior vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council, which represents some of the largest employers in the region.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Under SB 63, the state law that authorized the RTM ballot measure, transit agencies must now undergo a financial efficiency review to identify cost-saving measures. Money from the taxes will begin flowing to the agencies next year.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Under SB 63, the state law that authorized the RTM ballot measure, transit agencies must now undergo a financial efficiency review to identify cost-saving measures. Money from the taxes will begin flowing to the agencies next year.\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Public transportation advocates celebrate measures that avert major service cuts for the region’s transit agencies.",
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"title": "Death Spiral Averted: Bay Area Transit Taxes RTM and Proposition H Declare Victory | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters of Bay Area \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/public-transit\">public transit\u003c/a> cheered election returns on Tuesday that showed two tax measures designed to head off drastic cuts in bus and train service passing easily. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Initial results from five Bay Area counties showed Measure RTM, a 14-year regional sales tax, well on the way to passage with a 61.5% yes vote.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jeff Cretan, spokesman for the Connect Bay Area coalition that campaigned for the tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, called the apparent margin of victory “incredible.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This is a huge win for public transit,” Cretan said. “ I think these results show that people believe in the importance of our buses and trains running to get people to work, to get seniors to appointments and to get kids to school. All of that matters for the Bay Area to really thrive.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco’s Proposition H, a separate parcel tax measure targeted at funding only the city’s Muni transit service — also appeared certain to pass with a 72.5% yes 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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108165\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWATCHPARTY-NG-8_QED-KQED-d43f465a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A supporter claps as San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie speaks at his election night watch party at Anina in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Measure RTM imposes a 0.5% sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a 1% sales tax in San Francisco to generate about $1 billion a year to maintain current levels of service at BART, Muni, AC Transit, Caltrain and other transit agencies. The sales taxes will also pay for fare discounts, accessibility and wayfinding programs.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/sanfrancisco/proposition-h\">Proposition H\u003c/a> is a San Francisco-specific measure that will tax property owners at different rates based on property type and size in order to generate an estimated $184 million annually for the city’s Muni transit service for 15 years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie hailed the result as a sign of the city’s long-term commitment to better public transportation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Tonight, San Franciscans stood together to build a stronger Muni for all,” Lurie told an election night crowd. “But let me be clear — this is not about spending more money to get the same results. With this infusion of funding comes the responsibility to deliver a better transit system — more reliable, more efficient, safer, and worthy of the people who depend on it every single day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">BART General Manager Bob Powers said at an election night party in San Francisco’s SoMa neighborhood that transit agencies had won voters over by demonstrating they can respond to riders’ needs and deliver improved service. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The last 30 months or so, every decision I’ve made is to try to improve the rider experience, and some of them were difficult decisions,” Powers said. He mentioned BART’s new fare gates and the agency’s improved on-time performance as two major customer-focused improvements.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Laura Tolkoff, transportation policy director at SPUR, the San Francisco-based research and policy think tank, appeared stunned as the regional measure built a big early lead. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I kind of can’t believe it,” Tolkoff said, adding that the result came as a relief. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There’s been, you know, preparing yourself for possibly a different outcome,” she said. The imminent fiscal crisis for transit operators “was going to affect people in just a few months if this didn’t pass. It’s amazing that we can see that what we have is worth protecting and building on.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The campaign opposed to RTM — the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit — did not respond to a request for comment on Tuesday night. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the lead-up to Election Day, the committee argued that transit agencies exaggerated potential service cuts to scare voters into approving the tax and said the regional measure lacked accountability guarantees.\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/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12108123\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-RTMWatchParty-NG-1_qed-6852a2a6-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caleb Huffman, who works for the regional transit measure campaign, looks at results on the measure from Santa Clara County that were above the campaign’s expectations, at the Yes on RTM watch party hosted by SPUR at The Cordial in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The committee framed opposing the tax as a crucial chance to send a message to the region’s transit agencies that they need to institute major financial reforms. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ They’re promising oversight that is not really there. They’re saying they need money that they don’t really need right now,” said Gregg Dieguez, president of the Committee for Affordable Bay Area Transit before Tuesday’s vote. “They need real reform, and the reforms they’re promising are toothless and minuscule.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Opponents of Proposition H said the passage of the tax was also a missed opportunity to rein in a fiscally irresponsible transit agency.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Mayor Lurie ran on accountability, and this measure has zero accountability. Voters are getting fooled. SFMTA will use Prop. H money to treat the agency like a venture capital business, hire fast, grow fast but with zero goals,” said Marie Hurabiell, executive director of ConnectedSF. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hurabiell claimed the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency could have made budget cuts without impacting service. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coalition that backed the measures included business groups, labor unions and environmental and transit justice advocates. Those supporters joined with the transit agencies themselves to warn that failure to pass the taxes would result in major service cuts.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some of the proposed cuts included: BART closing up to 15 stations and ending service at 9 p.m., Caltrain closing one-third of its stations and eliminating weekend service and AC Transit reducing service by 16% and laying off up to 300 employees.\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/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107918\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261102-FilePhotos-20-BL_qed-8b810831-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Muni Metro line in San Francisco on Nov. 2, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If both measures had failed, Muni warned it could cut up to 20 bus routes, double the wait times on other routes, reduce late night service to 9 p.m. and eliminate cable car and historic streetcar service.. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The major public transit agencies are suffering a deep and lingering fiscal hangover from the collapse of ridership and fare revenue triggered nearly seven years ago at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Public transit operators used billions of dollars of emergency federal aid, as well as state assistance, to maintain service levels at slightly below pre-pandemic levels. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“The business community has invested significant resources to ensure that [RTM] is successful because they know our economy depends on our ability to get people to and from work,” said Emily Loper, senior vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council, which represents some of the largest employers in the region.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under SB 63, the state law that authorized the RTM ballot measure, transit agencies must now undergo a financial efficiency review to identify cost-saving measures. Money from the taxes will begin flowing to the agencies next year.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "Election Day in the Bay Area Unfolds With Rain, And Lots of Passion at the Polls",
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"headTitle": "Election Day in the Bay Area Unfolds With Rain, And Lots of Passion at the Polls | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite some bad weather, Bay Area voters braved the rain to make their voices heard — weighing in on everything from a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915682/californias-billionaire-tax-and-the-efforts-to-nullify-it\">tax on billionaires\u003c/a> to the fate of local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">public transportation\u003c/a> and more in the final years of Donald Trump’s presidency.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many were eager to cast their vote and get a word in on a swath of local and state issues. Some even showed up for the first time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hayes Valley resident Marilyn Ruvalcaba Morales, who voted at City Hall, said she became a citizen this year. She brought her husband and her daughter’s ballots with her to the drop box. \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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107906\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters drop off ballots at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I do want changes,” she said. “It’s really discouraging how our democracy is being very threatened by the current politics and the representatives right now,” Morales said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Bay, Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters Cynthia Cornejo welcomed voters out of the rain. As of Monday night, voter turnout was a little over 30%, and that there was strong morning traffic, she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’ve had rain before on Election Day, especially in November, and voters turn out regardless,” Cornejo said. “We’re happy to see it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confusing ballot language\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frustration with opaque ballot measures united voters across the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary Jinn, a voter in Humboldt County’s McKinleyville, said that she cared about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101928/prop-39-require-identification-when-californians-cast-a-ballot\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, a proposal that would require voters to show ID at the polls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There was so much of that talk of Trump, wanting to block votes of people, but I do think we need to prove ID,” Jinn said, adding that she did her research before coming to the polls so that she would not have to rely on the ballot measures alone. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t like the way they word things. It’s confusing. You don’t know if a yes means what you want it to mean or not,” Jinn said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside Hayward City Hall on Tuesday, Xaya Johnson echoed that confusion — particularly around Proposition 40 and two counter-measures that would nullify it if either passes with more votes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“That’s always my goal at first, is just see what the general vibe is, and then, like, what is this, legal wordage?” said Johnson, 32. “How do I understand exactly what I’m voting for right now?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daniel Segura, a 35-year-old Oakland resident who works in tech, had a similar complaint. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There were a lot of trick questions or hidden agendas within the components of the different measures,” Segura said. “I wish that could change in the future.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Segura also said he struggled to find information for the judges who were up for election. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It was very difficult to vote,” Segura said. “You want to have someone that has moral character … these people make decisions on outcomes that affect the community.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">California voters consider taxing billionaires\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California voters are deciding whether to pass a first-of-its-kind tax on the state’s roughly \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915264/economists-make-the-case-for-and-against-californias-billionaire-tax\">250\u003c/a> billionaires.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Junior Mejía, a healthcare worker in Oakland, said that the one-time tax was one of the main issues that brought him out to the polls. Mejía said that the ads opposing the billionaire tax actually convinced him to vote in favor of it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It makes you wonder, why are they spending so much money?” Mejía 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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107900\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at the Hoogasian Flowers polling place in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voting in San Francisco, Dyana Bohrques said billionaires “should be fairly taxed like everyone else. They’re making exorbitant amounts that so many will never see and could help so many people, and it would literally be like a penny drop in what they’re making.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Andrew Schell, of coastal city Arcata in Northern California, said he typically goes to the left on most issues — but voted against the billionaire tax. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I just don’t want their money to leave,” he said. “I figured there’d be a brain drain and a money drain, and I think it’s going to scare a lot of billionaires away.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local politics drive turnout \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others were laser-focused on local races. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Garrett Fitzpatrick, a 29-year-old IT consultant in Oakland, said he voted on his lunch break, with an eye on the District 2 City Council race — the “big one” for him because it “was going to be the one that has the biggest impact on my situation,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He ended up voting for Nate Adams, a candidate who shared his ideas about government, and who he hopes would bring about “safer streets, cheaper rents and a stronger sense of community.” \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/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107922\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mayor Daniel Lurie drops off his ballot outside of City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie dropped off his ballot at City Hall on Tuesday morning. Speaking with reporters, he encouraged eligible voters to turn out if they hadn’t already, and shouted out his legislation — Proposition D, E and F, as well as efforts to fund affordable housing and regional and local transit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I am committed to making sure we make this city more affordable, and we do that by investing in transit and housing,” Lurie said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passion at the polls remained high\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leading up to the midterms, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915782/bracing-for-the-coming-wave-of-legal-challenges-to-midterm-voting\">questions\u003c/a> around election security and voter data took center stage, especially after Trump escalated efforts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107730/dozens-of-californians-face-voter-fraud-charges-but-proving-the-violations-may-be-difficult\">prove\u003c/a> rampant election fraud. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jim Fonesca, a San José voter, said that the whole situation was “scary” and “wrong.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t think we should be making life harder for immigrants, for people moving here, contributing to society, wanting to participate in whatever way they can,” Fonesca said. “If it’s illegal for someone to vote, they shouldn’t be doing it, but I don’t think we should be making it more difficult for people living and working here.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kathleen Caldito, a 33-year-old voter in Hayward, said that while she was worried about election interference, she was proud to see the turnout at the polls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s amazing to see how much the community cares,” she said. “Growing up in Hayward my whole life, polls were never like this. Like, it wasn’t stacked.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Hey, our community’s out here,” Caldito continued. “We’re fighting for the right things, and just to hear our voice, because I think a lot of people, growing up in this community, people always felt like their vote never mattered.”\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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107904\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill out their ballots at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco resident Karla Sahagun said she urged her neighbors to get out and vote. She was out there, she said, in spite of recently running a half-marathon and having a cold. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Vote. There’s many people that would love the right to vote, and we need to vote for everybody,” Sahagun said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Up in Humboldt County, Natalie Parchman said that she headed to the polls early so that she could wear her sticker all day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It actually does remind people to vote,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s Emily Tenorio Molina, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">Sara Hossaini\u003c/a>, Jose Velazquez and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/slewis\">Sukey Lewis\u003c/a> contributed to this report. Stanford University graduate journalism students Katherine Beard and Elizabeth Brewer also contributed.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite some bad weather, Bay Area voters braved the rain to make their voices heard — weighing in on everything from a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915682/californias-billionaire-tax-and-the-efforts-to-nullify-it\">tax on billionaires\u003c/a> to the fate of local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">public transportation\u003c/a> and more in the final years of Donald Trump’s presidency.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Despite some bad weather, Bay Area voters braved the rain to make their voices heard — weighing in on everything from a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915682/californias-billionaire-tax-and-the-efforts-to-nullify-it\">tax on billionaires\u003c/a> to the fate of local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">public transportation\u003c/a> and more in the final years of Donald Trump’s presidency.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Many were eager to cast their vote and get a word in on a swath of local and state issues. Some even showed up for the first time. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Many were eager to cast their vote and get a word in on a swath of local and state issues. Some even showed up for the first time. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Hayes Valley resident Marilyn Ruvalcaba Morales, who voted at City Hall, said she became a citizen this year. She brought her husband and her daughter’s ballots with her to the drop box. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Hayes Valley resident Marilyn Ruvalcaba Morales, who voted at City Hall, said she became a citizen this year. She brought her husband and her daughter’s ballots with her to the drop box. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I do want changes,” she said. “It’s really discouraging how our democracy is being very threatened by the current politics and the representatives right now,” Morales said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I do want changes,” she said. “It’s really discouraging how our democracy is being very threatened by the current politics and the representatives right now,” Morales said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Across the Bay, Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters Cynthia Cornejo welcomed voters out of the rain. As of Monday night, voter turnout was a little over 30%, and that there was strong morning traffic, she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Across the Bay, Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters Cynthia Cornejo welcomed voters out of the rain. As of Monday night, voter turnout was a little over 30%, and that there was strong morning traffic, she said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’ve had rain before on Election Day, especially in November, and voters turn out regardless,” Cornejo said. “We’re happy to see it.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’ve had rain before on Election Day, especially in November, and voters turn out regardless,” Cornejo said. “We’re happy to see it.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Frustration with opaque ballot measures united voters across the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Frustration with opaque ballot measures united voters across the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mary Jinn, a voter in Humboldt County’s McKinleyville, said that she cared about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101928/prop-39-require-identification-when-californians-cast-a-ballot\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, a proposal that would require voters to show ID at the polls. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mary Jinn, a voter in Humboldt County’s McKinleyville, said that she cared about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101928/prop-39-require-identification-when-californians-cast-a-ballot\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, a proposal that would require voters to show ID at the polls. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There was so much of that talk of Trump, wanting to block votes of people, but I do think we need to prove ID,” Jinn said, adding that she did her research before coming to the polls so that she would not have to rely on the ballot measures alone. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“There was so much of that talk of Trump, wanting to block votes of people, but I do think we need to prove ID,” Jinn said, adding that she did her research before coming to the polls so that she would not have to rely on the ballot measures alone. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t like the way they word things. It’s confusing. You don’t know if a yes means what you want it to mean or not,” Jinn said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I don’t like the way they word things. It’s confusing. You don’t know if a yes means what you want it to mean or not,” Jinn said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Outside Hayward City Hall on Tuesday, Xaya Johnson echoed that confusion — particularly around Proposition 40 and two counter-measures that would nullify it if either passes with more votes.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Outside Hayward City Hall on Tuesday, Xaya Johnson echoed that confusion — particularly around Proposition 40 and two counter-measures that would nullify it if either passes with more votes.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That’s always my goal at first, is just see what the general vibe is, and then, like, what is this, legal wordage?” said Johnson, 32. “How do I understand exactly what I’m voting for right now?”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“That’s always my goal at first, is just see what the general vibe is, and then, like, what is this, legal wordage?” said Johnson, 32. “How do I understand exactly what I’m voting for right now?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Daniel Segura, a 35-year-old Oakland resident who works in tech, had a similar complaint. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There were a lot of trick questions or hidden agendas within the components of the different measures,” Segura said. “I wish that could change in the future.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Segura also said he struggled to find information for the judges who were up for election. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It was very difficult to vote,” Segura said. “You want to have someone that has moral character … these people make decisions on outcomes that affect the community.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "California voters consider taxing billionaires",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California voters are deciding whether to pass a first-of-its-kind tax on the state’s roughly \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915264/economists-make-the-case-for-and-against-californias-billionaire-tax\">250\u003c/a> billionaires.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Junior Mejía, a healthcare worker in Oakland, said that the one-time tax was one of the main issues that brought him out to the polls. Mejía said that the ads opposing the billionaire tax actually convinced him to vote in favor of it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Junior Mejía, a healthcare worker in Oakland, said that the one-time tax was one of the main issues that brought him out to the polls. Mejía said that the ads opposing the billionaire tax actually convinced him to vote in favor of it. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It makes you wonder, why are they spending so much money?” Mejía said. \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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107900\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95-1536x1024.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 the Hoogasian Flowers polling place in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107900\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at the Hoogasian Flowers polling place in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Voting in San Francisco, Dyana Bohrques said billionaires “should be fairly taxed like everyone else. They’re making exorbitant amounts that so many will never see and could help so many people, and it would literally be like a penny drop in what they’re making.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Voting in San Francisco, Dyana Bohrques said billionaires “should be fairly taxed like everyone else. They’re making exorbitant amounts that so many will never see and could help so many people, and it would literally be like a penny drop in what they’re making.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Andrew Schell, of coastal city Arcata in Northern California, said he typically goes to the left on most issues — but voted against the billionaire tax. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I just don’t want their money to leave,” he said. “I figured there’d be a brain drain and a money drain, and I think it’s going to scare a lot of billionaires away.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Others were laser-focused on local races. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Garrett Fitzpatrick, a 29-year-old IT consultant in Oakland, said he voted on his lunch break, with an eye on the District 2 City Council race — the “big one” for him because it “was going to be the one that has the biggest impact on my situation,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Garrett Fitzpatrick, a 29-year-old IT consultant in Oakland, said he voted on his lunch break, with an eye on the District 2 City Council race — the “big one” for him because it “was going to be the one that has the biggest impact on my situation,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He ended up voting for Nate Adams, a candidate who shared his ideas about government, and who he hopes would bring about “safer streets, cheaper rents and a stronger sense of community.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He ended up voting for Nate Adams, a candidate who shared his ideas about government, and who he hopes would bring about “safer streets, cheaper rents and a stronger sense of community.” \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/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107922\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mayor Daniel Lurie drops off his ballot outside of City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 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/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107922\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mayor Daniel Lurie drops off his ballot outside of City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie dropped off his ballot at City Hall on Tuesday morning. Speaking with reporters, he encouraged eligible voters to turn out if they hadn’t already, and shouted out his legislation — Proposition D, E and F, as well as efforts to fund affordable housing and regional and local transit. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie dropped off his ballot at City Hall on Tuesday morning. Speaking with reporters, he encouraged eligible voters to turn out if they hadn’t already, and shouted out his legislation — Proposition D, E and F, as well as efforts to fund affordable housing and regional and local transit. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I am committed to making sure we make this city more affordable, and we do that by investing in transit and housing,” Lurie said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"text": "Passion at the polls remained high",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passion at the polls remained high\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Leading up to the midterms, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915782/bracing-for-the-coming-wave-of-legal-challenges-to-midterm-voting\">questions\u003c/a> around election security and voter data took center stage, especially after Trump escalated efforts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107730/dozens-of-californians-face-voter-fraud-charges-but-proving-the-violations-may-be-difficult\">prove\u003c/a> rampant election fraud. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jim Fonesca, a San José voter, said that the whole situation was “scary” and “wrong.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t think we should be making life harder for immigrants, for people moving here, contributing to society, wanting to participate in whatever way they can,” Fonesca said. “If it’s illegal for someone to vote, they shouldn’t be doing it, but I don’t think we should be making it more difficult for people living and working here.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Kathleen Caldito, a 33-year-old voter in Hayward, said that while she was worried about election interference, she was proud to see the turnout at the polls.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Kathleen Caldito, a 33-year-old voter in Hayward, said that while she was worried about election interference, she was proud to see the turnout at the polls.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It’s amazing to see how much the community cares,” she said. “Growing up in Hayward my whole life, polls were never like this. Like, it wasn’t stacked.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Hey, our community’s out here,” Caldito continued. “We’re fighting for the right things, and just to hear our voice, because I think a lot of people, growing up in this community, people always felt like their vote never mattered.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Hey, our community’s out here,” Caldito continued. “We’re fighting for the right things, and just to hear our voice, because I think a lot of people, growing up in this community, people always felt like their vote never mattered.”\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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107904\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill out their ballots at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco resident Karla Sahagun said she urged her neighbors to get out and vote. She was out there, she said, in spite of recently running a half-marathon and having a cold. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Vote. There’s many people that would love the right to vote, and we need to vote for everybody,” Sahagun said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Vote. There’s many people that would love the right to vote, and we need to vote for everybody,” Sahagun said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Up in Humboldt County, Natalie Parchman said that she headed to the polls early so that she could wear her sticker all day. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Up in Humboldt County, Natalie Parchman said that she headed to the polls early so that she could wear her sticker all day. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“It actually does remind people to vote,” she said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Emily Tenorio Molina, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">Sara Hossaini\u003c/a>, Jose Velazquez and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/slewis\">Sukey Lewis\u003c/a> contributed to this report. Stanford University graduate journalism students Katherine Beard and Elizabeth Brewer also contributed.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Residents said they were energized by voting on the billionaire wealth tax, but confused by some of the wording on the ballots. ",
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"title": "Election Day in the Bay Area Unfolds With Rain, And Lots of Passion at the Polls | KQED",
"description": "Residents said they were energized by voting on the billionaire wealth tax, but confused by some of the wording on the ballots. ",
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"headline": "Election Day in the Bay Area Unfolds With Rain, And Lots of Passion at the Polls",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite some bad weather, Bay Area voters braved the rain to make their voices heard — weighing in on everything from a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915682/californias-billionaire-tax-and-the-efforts-to-nullify-it\">tax on billionaires\u003c/a> to the fate of local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/voterguide/california/regional-measure-rtm\">public transportation\u003c/a> and more in the final years of Donald Trump’s presidency.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Many were eager to cast their vote and get a word in on a swath of local and state issues. Some even showed up for the first time. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hayes Valley resident Marilyn Ruvalcaba Morales, who voted at City Hall, said she became a citizen this year. She brought her husband and her daughter’s ballots with her to the drop box. \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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107906\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-24-BL-KQED-5e42b82f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters drop off ballots at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I do want changes,” she said. “It’s really discouraging how our democracy is being very threatened by the current politics and the representatives right now,” Morales said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Bay, Alameda County’s Registrar of Voters Cynthia Cornejo welcomed voters out of the rain. As of Monday night, voter turnout was a little over 30%, and that there was strong morning traffic, she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’ve had rain before on Election Day, especially in November, and voters turn out regardless,” Cornejo said. “We’re happy to see it.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Confusing ballot language\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Frustration with opaque ballot measures united voters across the Bay Area. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mary Jinn, a voter in Humboldt County’s McKinleyville, said that she cared about \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12101928/prop-39-require-identification-when-californians-cast-a-ballot\">Proposition 39\u003c/a>, a proposal that would require voters to show ID at the polls. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There was so much of that talk of Trump, wanting to block votes of people, but I do think we need to prove ID,” Jinn said, adding that she did her research before coming to the polls so that she would not have to rely on the ballot measures alone. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t like the way they word things. It’s confusing. You don’t know if a yes means what you want it to mean or not,” Jinn said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside Hayward City Hall on Tuesday, Xaya Johnson echoed that confusion — particularly around Proposition 40 and two counter-measures that would nullify it if either passes with more votes.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“That’s always my goal at first, is just see what the general vibe is, and then, like, what is this, legal wordage?” said Johnson, 32. “How do I understand exactly what I’m voting for right now?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Daniel Segura, a 35-year-old Oakland resident who works in tech, had a similar complaint. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“There were a lot of trick questions or hidden agendas within the components of the different measures,” Segura said. “I wish that could change in the future.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Segura also said he struggled to find information for the judges who were up for election. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It was very difficult to vote,” Segura said. “You want to have someone that has moral character … these people make decisions on outcomes that affect the community.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">California voters consider taxing billionaires\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">California voters are deciding whether to pass a first-of-its-kind tax on the state’s roughly \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915264/economists-make-the-case-for-and-against-californias-billionaire-tax\">250\u003c/a> billionaires.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Junior Mejía, a healthcare worker in Oakland, said that the one-time tax was one of the main issues that brought him out to the polls. Mejía said that the ads opposing the billionaire tax actually convinced him to vote in favor of it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It makes you wonder, why are they spending so much money?” Mejía 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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107900\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-02-BL-KQED-867fad95-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A voter drops off their ballot at the Hoogasian Flowers polling place in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Voting in San Francisco, Dyana Bohrques said billionaires “should be fairly taxed like everyone else. They’re making exorbitant amounts that so many will never see and could help so many people, and it would literally be like a penny drop in what they’re making.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Andrew Schell, of coastal city Arcata in Northern California, said he typically goes to the left on most issues — but voted against the billionaire tax. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I just don’t want their money to leave,” he said. “I figured there’d be a brain drain and a money drain, and I think it’s going to scare a lot of billionaires away.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Local politics drive turnout \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Others were laser-focused on local races. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Garrett Fitzpatrick, a 29-year-old IT consultant in Oakland, said he voted on his lunch break, with an eye on the District 2 City Council race — the “big one” for him because it “was going to be the one that has the biggest impact on my situation,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He ended up voting for Nate Adams, a candidate who shared his ideas about government, and who he hopes would bring about “safer streets, cheaper rents and a stronger sense of community.” \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/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107922\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ElectionDay-28-BL_qed-5b669a2c-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Mayor Daniel Lurie drops off his ballot outside of City Hall in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie dropped off his ballot at City Hall on Tuesday morning. Speaking with reporters, he encouraged eligible voters to turn out if they hadn’t already, and shouted out his legislation — Proposition D, E and F, as well as efforts to fund affordable housing and regional and local transit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I am committed to making sure we make this city more affordable, and we do that by investing in transit and housing,” Lurie said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Passion at the polls remained high\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Leading up to the midterms, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915782/bracing-for-the-coming-wave-of-legal-challenges-to-midterm-voting\">questions\u003c/a> around election security and voter data took center stage, especially after Trump escalated efforts to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12107730/dozens-of-californians-face-voter-fraud-charges-but-proving-the-violations-may-be-difficult\">prove\u003c/a> rampant election fraud. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jim Fonesca, a San José voter, said that the whole situation was “scary” and “wrong.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t think we should be making life harder for immigrants, for people moving here, contributing to society, wanting to participate in whatever way they can,” Fonesca said. “If it’s illegal for someone to vote, they shouldn’t be doing it, but I don’t think we should be making it more difficult for people living and working here.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Kathleen Caldito, a 33-year-old voter in Hayward, said that while she was worried about election interference, she was proud to see the turnout at the polls.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It’s amazing to see how much the community cares,” she said. “Growing up in Hayward my whole life, polls were never like this. Like, it wasn’t stacked.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Hey, our community’s out here,” Caldito continued. “We’re fighting for the right things, and just to hear our voice, because I think a lot of people, growing up in this community, people always felt like their vote never mattered.”\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/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12107904\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/11/261103-ELECTIONDAY-11-BL-KQED-eba9012f-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Voters fill out their ballots at the City Hall Voting Center in San Francisco on Nov. 3, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco resident Karla Sahagun said she urged her neighbors to get out and vote. She was out there, she said, in spite of recently running a half-marathon and having a cold. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Vote. There’s many people that would love the right to vote, and we need to vote for everybody,” Sahagun said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Up in Humboldt County, Natalie Parchman said that she headed to the polls early so that she could wear her sticker all day. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“It actually does remind people to vote,” she said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s Emily Tenorio Molina, \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">Sara Hossaini\u003c/a>, Jose Velazquez and \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/slewis\">Sukey Lewis\u003c/a> contributed to this report. Stanford University graduate journalism students Katherine Beard and Elizabeth Brewer also contributed.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "california-lawmakers-and-drivers-pressure-regulators-to-reign-in-autonomous-vehicles",
"title": "California Lawmakers and Drivers Pressure Regulators to Reign In Autonomous Vehicles",
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"headTitle": "California Lawmakers and Drivers Pressure Regulators to Reign In Autonomous Vehicles | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Labor leaders and officials across the state said they’ll continue to pressure the California Public Utilities Commission to put meaningful guardrails on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/autonomous-vehicles\">autonomous vehicles\u003c/a>, namely in the form of giving local governments more say when robotaxis are deployed in their cities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chanting slogans like “Our streets! Our safety! Our say,” Uber and Lyft drivers and public sector employees rallied outside the CPUC’s meeting on Thursday in San Francisco, as driverless Waymo cars made their way around them on Van Ness Avenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state regulator is in the \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M624/K128/624128822.PDF\">process\u003c/a> of adopting new rules for autonomous vehicles — including when companies can be exempt from those rules and when the approval process should be streamlined. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One such exemption granted to Amazon’s Zoox allows the company to operate “purpose-built” autonomous vehicles on the road that don’t have traditional vehicle equipment for human drivers, like steering wheels or pedals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12064736\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Zoox autonomous vehicle drives through 16th Street and Potrero in San Francisco on July 22, 2025. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agencies like the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency or the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and unions representing drivers generally support that reinstating suspended AV permits be under the commission’s authority. Zoox, however, wants staff to have the authority to reinstate those suspended permits, even when the reason for suspension was “an unreasonable risk to the AV carriers’ passengers,” according to the proposed rules. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After previously allowing AV operators to expand unfettered, cities and labor leaders are intensifying scrutiny of the companies after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">vehicle meltdowns during major events\u003c/a> — like San Francisco’s July 4th traffic fiasco — and emergencies. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Workers rallying at the CPUC on Thursday cited these \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074861/waymo-to-report-on-mass-stranding-event-during-sf-december-blackout\">robotaxi freezes during power outages\u003c/a> as a need for tighter regulations, instead of allowing companies to regulate themselves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also criticized a proposal to allow AV companies to expand service onto highways, at airports and even new cities without input from local leaders and emergency personnel who are directly impacted by AVs, including when they malfunction. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, of course, the threat of putting many drivers and others in the transportation industry out of jobs, workers said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joseph Augusto, a San Francisco-based ride-hail driver, said he’s had enough negative interactions with driverless cars that he doesn’t want any more of what he calls “surprise expansions.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We think that it’s important that the local municipalities and local officials, first responders, are aware of what’s happening in their city,” Augusto said. “We want everyone to have a say that should have a say and make sure everything runs a little smoother than they have been.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vikkas Shanker has been driving for Lyft and Uber for the last 11 years in and around Fresno. In that time, he’s been able to understand the city and its streets “better than any robot” could, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I worry about a future where AVs are allowed to expand into my community in Fresno without input from the people who know our roads,” he said, adding that he wants the CPUC to mandate that AV companies give cities and counties advance notice before autonomous vehicles are allowed to deploy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waymo also came under fire last year after one of the company’s autonomous vehicles hit and killed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062777/san-francisco-supervisor-calls-for-robotaxi-reform-after-waymo-kills-neighborhood-cat\">a beloved bodega cat\u003c/a> in the Mission. In the wake of that incident, Supervisor Jackie Fielder called for legislation to let voters decide if they want AVs in their cities, but she told workers on Thursday that her colleagues “watered down the legislation, perhaps to appease their campaign benefactors.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t know any other regulating body in the United States that allows for corporations to dictate their own regulations,” Fielder said at Thursday’s rally. “At a time when every level of government is already beholden to corporate spending in elections, we need regulators like the CPUC to maintain independence and rein in corporations like Waymo and Zoox.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who has also been critical of AVs in the city, rallied for more control at the local level.\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/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090127\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood speaks during a rally for survivors of sexual assault and harassment at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco on July 7, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“San Francisco’s streets belong to the people of San Francisco and not the corporations who operate on them,” he said. “When decisions are made about our streets, the people who live and work here deserve a seat at the table. That includes our workers, our drivers, our transit operators, our emergency responders, and every San Franciscan who depends on safe, accessible streets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raj Singh, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 and a bus operator with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, said bus drivers make split-second decisions every day to keep people safe, whether that be passengers, pedestrians or other drivers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Public safety cannot be an experiment conducted on our streets without accountability,” Singh said. “Let me be clear: we are not against technology. We welcome progress, but progress without accountability is not progress we should blindly accept.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the meeting, nearly three dozen people spoke against the CPUC’s proposal, claiming it doesn’t give local leaders enough authority over autonomous vehicles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera told the CPUC that airports should have their own review process. The CPUC’s current proposal would no longer require AV companies to get a separate approval notice before starting airport service, provided they have airport permission.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This decision asks the public to trust autonomous vehicle companies to decide for themselves what the public needs to know and what is material to public safety. Airports deserve their own review,” he said. “Deployment at these sites should require an airport-specific safety review, reporting, and public disclosure of airport authorization. It should not hinge solely on an email notice sent to staff.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Andrew Angeles \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M621/K751/621751926.PDF\">wrote to the CPUC in September\u003c/a> that AV companies should have airport-specific plans that address the “unique passenger safety and security risks” and airports should be able to weigh in before AVs are allowed on their roadways.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“With proper oversight by the Commission, California could become a model for the nation. We look forward to further development of sensible regulations that balance the drive for implementing new transportation technologies with the challenge of smart transportation planning and public safety.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The board ultimately decided to postpone their vote until their next voting meeting on Nov. 19. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“That means we made them think about it,” Cindy Reyes, research staff at SEIU 1021, told the crowd outside of the meeting. “We made them pause on a decision that was going to be very problematic.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Labor leaders and officials across the state said they’ll continue to pressure the California Public Utilities Commission to put meaningful guardrails on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/autonomous-vehicles\">autonomous vehicles\u003c/a>, namely in the form of giving local governments more say when robotaxis are deployed in their cities. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chanting slogans like “Our streets! Our safety! Our say,” Uber and Lyft drivers and public sector employees rallied outside the CPUC’s meeting on Thursday in San Francisco, as driverless Waymo cars made their way around them on Van Ness Avenue. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Chanting slogans like “Our streets! Our safety! Our say,” Uber and Lyft drivers and public sector employees rallied outside the CPUC’s meeting on Thursday in San Francisco, as driverless Waymo cars made their way around them on Van Ness Avenue. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The state regulator is in the \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M624/K128/624128822.PDF\">process\u003c/a> of adopting new rules for autonomous vehicles — including when companies can be exempt from those rules and when the approval process should be streamlined. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One such exemption granted to Amazon’s Zoox allows the company to operate “purpose-built” autonomous vehicles on the road that don’t have traditional vehicle equipment for human drivers, like steering wheels or pedals. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One such exemption granted to Amazon’s Zoox allows the company to operate “purpose-built” autonomous vehicles on the road that don’t have traditional vehicle equipment for human drivers, like steering wheels or pedals. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12064736\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-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 Zoox autonomous vehicle drives through 16th Street and Potrero in San Francisco on July 22, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12064736\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Zoox autonomous vehicle drives through 16th Street and Potrero in San Francisco on July 22, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Agencies like the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency or the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and unions representing drivers generally support that reinstating suspended AV permits be under the commission’s authority. Zoox, however, wants staff to have the authority to reinstate those suspended permits, even when the reason for suspension was “an unreasonable risk to the AV carriers’ passengers,” according to the proposed rules. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Agencies like the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency or the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and unions representing drivers generally support that reinstating suspended AV permits be under the commission’s authority. Zoox, however, wants staff to have the authority to reinstate those suspended permits, even when the reason for suspension was “an unreasonable risk to the AV carriers’ passengers,” according to the proposed rules. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>After previously allowing AV operators to expand unfettered, cities and labor leaders are intensifying scrutiny of the companies after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">vehicle meltdowns during major events\u003c/a> — like San Francisco’s July 4th traffic fiasco — and emergencies. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>After previously allowing AV operators to expand unfettered, cities and labor leaders are intensifying scrutiny of the companies after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">vehicle meltdowns during major events\u003c/a> — like San Francisco’s July 4th traffic fiasco — and emergencies. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Workers rallying at the CPUC on Thursday cited these \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074861/waymo-to-report-on-mass-stranding-event-during-sf-december-blackout\">robotaxi freezes during power outages\u003c/a> as a need for tighter regulations, instead of allowing companies to regulate themselves. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Workers rallying at the CPUC on Thursday cited these \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074861/waymo-to-report-on-mass-stranding-event-during-sf-december-blackout\">robotaxi freezes during power outages\u003c/a> as a need for tighter regulations, instead of allowing companies to regulate themselves. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>They also criticized a proposal to allow AV companies to expand service onto highways, at airports and even new cities without input from local leaders and emergency personnel who are directly impacted by AVs, including when they malfunction. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>They also criticized a proposal to allow AV companies to expand service onto highways, at airports and even new cities without input from local leaders and emergency personnel who are directly impacted by AVs, including when they malfunction. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>And, of course, the threat of putting many drivers and others in the transportation industry out of jobs, workers said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Joseph Augusto, a San Francisco-based ride-hail driver, said he’s had enough negative interactions with driverless cars that he doesn’t want any more of what he calls “surprise expansions.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Joseph Augusto, a San Francisco-based ride-hail driver, said he’s had enough negative interactions with driverless cars that he doesn’t want any more of what he calls “surprise expansions.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We think that it’s important that the local municipalities and local officials, first responders, are aware of what’s happening in their city,” Augusto said. “We want everyone to have a say that should have a say and make sure everything runs a little smoother than they have been.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We think that it’s important that the local municipalities and local officials, first responders, are aware of what’s happening in their city,” Augusto said. “We want everyone to have a say that should have a say and make sure everything runs a little smoother than they have been.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Vikkas Shanker has been driving for Lyft and Uber for the last 11 years in and around Fresno. In that time, he’s been able to understand the city and its streets “better than any robot” could, he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Vikkas Shanker has been driving for Lyft and Uber for the last 11 years in and around Fresno. In that time, he’s been able to understand the city and its streets “better than any robot” could, he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I worry about a future where AVs are allowed to expand into my community in Fresno without input from the people who know our roads,” he said, adding that he wants the CPUC to mandate that AV companies give cities and counties advance notice before autonomous vehicles are allowed to deploy.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I worry about a future where AVs are allowed to expand into my community in Fresno without input from the people who know our roads,” he said, adding that he wants the CPUC to mandate that AV companies give cities and counties advance notice before autonomous vehicles are allowed to deploy.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Waymo also came under fire last year after one of the company’s autonomous vehicles hit and killed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062777/san-francisco-supervisor-calls-for-robotaxi-reform-after-waymo-kills-neighborhood-cat\">a beloved bodega cat\u003c/a> in the Mission. In the wake of that incident, Supervisor Jackie Fielder called for legislation to let voters decide if they want AVs in their cities, but she told workers on Thursday that her colleagues “watered down the legislation, perhaps to appease their campaign benefactors.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Waymo also came under fire last year after one of the company’s autonomous vehicles hit and killed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062777/san-francisco-supervisor-calls-for-robotaxi-reform-after-waymo-kills-neighborhood-cat\">a beloved bodega cat\u003c/a> in the Mission. In the wake of that incident, Supervisor Jackie Fielder called for legislation to let voters decide if they want AVs in their cities, but she told workers on Thursday that her colleagues “watered down the legislation, perhaps to appease their campaign benefactors.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“I don’t know any other regulating body in the United States that allows for corporations to dictate their own regulations,” Fielder said at Thursday’s rally. “At a time when every level of government is already beholden to corporate spending in elections, we need regulators like the CPUC to maintain independence and rein in corporations like Waymo and Zoox.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“I don’t know any other regulating body in the United States that allows for corporations to dictate their own regulations,” Fielder said at Thursday’s rally. “At a time when every level of government is already beholden to corporate spending in elections, we need regulators like the CPUC to maintain independence and rein in corporations like Waymo and Zoox.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who has also been critical of AVs in the city, rallied for more control at the local level.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who has also been critical of AVs in the city, rallied for more control at the local level.\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/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090127\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_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\">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood speaks during a rally for survivors of sexual assault and harassment at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco on July 7, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“San Francisco’s streets belong to the people of San Francisco and not the corporations who operate on them,” he said. “When decisions are made about our streets, the people who live and work here deserve a seat at the table. That includes our workers, our drivers, our transit operators, our emergency responders, and every San Franciscan who depends on safe, accessible streets.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“San Francisco’s streets belong to the people of San Francisco and not the corporations who operate on them,” he said. “When decisions are made about our streets, the people who live and work here deserve a seat at the table. That includes our workers, our drivers, our transit operators, our emergency responders, and every San Franciscan who depends on safe, accessible streets.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Raj Singh, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 and a bus operator with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, said bus drivers make split-second decisions every day to keep people safe, whether that be passengers, pedestrians or other drivers. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Raj Singh, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 and a bus operator with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, said bus drivers make split-second decisions every day to keep people safe, whether that be passengers, pedestrians or other drivers. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Public safety cannot be an experiment conducted on our streets without accountability,” Singh said. “Let me be clear: we are not against technology. We welcome progress, but progress without accountability is not progress we should blindly accept.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Public safety cannot be an experiment conducted on our streets without accountability,” Singh said. “Let me be clear: we are not against technology. We welcome progress, but progress without accountability is not progress we should blindly accept.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>During the meeting, nearly three dozen people spoke against the CPUC’s proposal, claiming it doesn’t give local leaders enough authority over autonomous vehicles. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>During the meeting, nearly three dozen people spoke against the CPUC’s proposal, claiming it doesn’t give local leaders enough authority over autonomous vehicles. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera told the CPUC that airports should have their own review process. The CPUC’s current proposal would no longer require AV companies to get a separate approval notice before starting airport service, provided they have airport permission.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera told the CPUC that airports should have their own review process. The CPUC’s current proposal would no longer require AV companies to get a separate approval notice before starting airport service, provided they have airport permission.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This decision asks the public to trust autonomous vehicle companies to decide for themselves what the public needs to know and what is material to public safety. Airports deserve their own review,” he said. “Deployment at these sites should require an airport-specific safety review, reporting, and public disclosure of airport authorization. It should not hinge solely on an email notice sent to staff.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Andrew Angeles \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M621/K751/621751926.PDF\">wrote to the CPUC in September\u003c/a> that AV companies should have airport-specific plans that address the “unique passenger safety and security risks” and airports should be able to weigh in before AVs are allowed on their roadways.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Andrew Angeles \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M621/K751/621751926.PDF\">wrote to the CPUC in September\u003c/a> that AV companies should have airport-specific plans that address the “unique passenger safety and security risks” and airports should be able to weigh in before AVs are allowed on their roadways.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“With proper oversight by the Commission, California could become a model for the nation. We look forward to further development of sensible regulations that balance the drive for implementing new transportation technologies with the challenge of smart transportation planning and public safety.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“With proper oversight by the Commission, California could become a model for the nation. We look forward to further development of sensible regulations that balance the drive for implementing new transportation technologies with the challenge of smart transportation planning and public safety.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“That means we made them think about it,” Cindy Reyes, research staff at SEIU 1021, told the crowd outside of the meeting. “We made them pause on a decision that was going to be very problematic.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Ride-hail workers and local officials called on the California Public Utilities Commission to put driverless car regulation in the hands of local leaders. ",
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"title": "California Lawmakers and Drivers Pressure Regulators to Reign In Autonomous Vehicles | KQED",
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"headline": "California Lawmakers and Drivers Pressure Regulators to Reign In Autonomous Vehicles",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Labor leaders and officials across the state said they’ll continue to pressure the California Public Utilities Commission to put meaningful guardrails on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/autonomous-vehicles\">autonomous vehicles\u003c/a>, namely in the form of giving local governments more say when robotaxis are deployed in their cities. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Chanting slogans like “Our streets! Our safety! Our say,” Uber and Lyft drivers and public sector employees rallied outside the CPUC’s meeting on Thursday in San Francisco, as driverless Waymo cars made their way around them on Van Ness Avenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The state regulator is in the \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Published/G000/M624/K128/624128822.PDF\">process\u003c/a> of adopting new rules for autonomous vehicles — including when companies can be exempt from those rules and when the approval process should be streamlined. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One such exemption granted to Amazon’s Zoox allows the company to operate “purpose-built” autonomous vehicles on the road that don’t have traditional vehicle equipment for human drivers, like steering wheels or pedals. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12064736\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/11/250730-WAYMOFILE_00136_TV-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A Zoox autonomous vehicle drives through 16th Street and Potrero in San Francisco on July 22, 2025. (Tâm Vũ/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Agencies like the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency or the San Francisco County Transportation Authority and unions representing drivers generally support that reinstating suspended AV permits be under the commission’s authority. Zoox, however, wants staff to have the authority to reinstate those suspended permits, even when the reason for suspension was “an unreasonable risk to the AV carriers’ passengers,” according to the proposed rules. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After previously allowing AV operators to expand unfettered, cities and labor leaders are intensifying scrutiny of the companies after \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12089915/sf-supe-to-launch-inquiry-on-waymos-july-fourth-traffic-meltdown\">vehicle meltdowns during major events\u003c/a> — like San Francisco’s July 4th traffic fiasco — and emergencies. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Workers rallying at the CPUC on Thursday cited these \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12074861/waymo-to-report-on-mass-stranding-event-during-sf-december-blackout\">robotaxi freezes during power outages\u003c/a> as a need for tighter regulations, instead of allowing companies to regulate themselves. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They also criticized a proposal to allow AV companies to expand service onto highways, at airports and even new cities without input from local leaders and emergency personnel who are directly impacted by AVs, including when they malfunction. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">And, of course, the threat of putting many drivers and others in the transportation industry out of jobs, workers said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Joseph Augusto, a San Francisco-based ride-hail driver, said he’s had enough negative interactions with driverless cars that he doesn’t want any more of what he calls “surprise expansions.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We think that it’s important that the local municipalities and local officials, first responders, are aware of what’s happening in their city,” Augusto said. “We want everyone to have a say that should have a say and make sure everything runs a little smoother than they have been.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vikkas Shanker has been driving for Lyft and Uber for the last 11 years in and around Fresno. In that time, he’s been able to understand the city and its streets “better than any robot” could, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I worry about a future where AVs are allowed to expand into my community in Fresno without input from the people who know our roads,” he said, adding that he wants the CPUC to mandate that AV companies give cities and counties advance notice before autonomous vehicles are allowed to deploy.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Waymo also came under fire last year after one of the company’s autonomous vehicles hit and killed \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12062777/san-francisco-supervisor-calls-for-robotaxi-reform-after-waymo-kills-neighborhood-cat\">a beloved bodega cat\u003c/a> in the Mission. In the wake of that incident, Supervisor Jackie Fielder called for legislation to let voters decide if they want AVs in their cities, but she told workers on Thursday that her colleagues “watered down the legislation, perhaps to appease their campaign benefactors.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“I don’t know any other regulating body in the United States that allows for corporations to dictate their own regulations,” Fielder said at Thursday’s rally. “At a time when every level of government is already beholden to corporate spending in elections, we need regulators like the CPUC to maintain independence and rein in corporations like Waymo and Zoox.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood, who has also been critical of AVs in the city, rallied for more control at the local level.\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/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12090127\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed.jpg 1999w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/07/20260707_SFRally_GC-12_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1999px) 100vw, 1999px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Supervisor Bilal Mahmood speaks during a rally for survivors of sexual assault and harassment at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco on July 7, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“San Francisco’s streets belong to the people of San Francisco and not the corporations who operate on them,” he said. “When decisions are made about our streets, the people who live and work here deserve a seat at the table. That includes our workers, our drivers, our transit operators, our emergency responders, and every San Franciscan who depends on safe, accessible streets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Raj Singh, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 and a bus operator with Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority, said bus drivers make split-second decisions every day to keep people safe, whether that be passengers, pedestrians or other drivers. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Public safety cannot be an experiment conducted on our streets without accountability,” Singh said. “Let me be clear: we are not against technology. We welcome progress, but progress without accountability is not progress we should blindly accept.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">During the meeting, nearly three dozen people spoke against the CPUC’s proposal, claiming it doesn’t give local leaders enough authority over autonomous vehicles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Diego City Councilmember Sean Elo-Rivera told the CPUC that airports should have their own review process. The CPUC’s current proposal would no longer require AV companies to get a separate approval notice before starting airport service, provided they have airport permission.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This decision asks the public to trust autonomous vehicle companies to decide for themselves what the public needs to know and what is material to public safety. Airports deserve their own review,” he said. “Deployment at these sites should require an airport-specific safety review, reporting, and public disclosure of airport authorization. It should not hinge solely on an email notice sent to staff.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San Francisco Deputy City Attorney Andrew Angeles \u003ca href=\"https://docs.cpuc.ca.gov/PublishedDocs/Efile/G000/M621/K751/621751926.PDF\">wrote to the CPUC in September\u003c/a> that AV companies should have airport-specific plans that address the “unique passenger safety and security risks” and airports should be able to weigh in before AVs are allowed on their roadways.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“With proper oversight by the Commission, California could become a model for the nation. We look forward to further development of sensible regulations that balance the drive for implementing new transportation technologies with the challenge of smart transportation planning and public safety.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The board ultimately decided to postpone their vote until their next voting meeting on Nov. 19. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“That means we made them think about it,” Cindy Reyes, research staff at SEIU 1021, told the crowd outside of the meeting. “We made them pause on a decision that was going to be very problematic.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "head-of-california-high-speed-rail-agency-resigns-amid-travel-expenses-scandal",
"title": "Head of California High-Speed Rail Agency Resigns Amid Travel Expenses Scandal",
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"headTitle": "Head of California High-Speed Rail Agency Resigns Amid Travel Expenses Scandal | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CEO of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-high-speed-rail\">California’s high-speed rail\u003c/a> authority resigned late Wednesday, saying he needs to focus on “important personal and family priorities,” according to a copy of the emailed resignation obtained by CalMatters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This has not been an easy decision, as leading the Authority has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional life,” wrote Chief Executive Ian Choudri.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He will be replaced by Joe Stephenshaw, who has led the state Department of Finance since July 2022 after working as a policy analyst in the state Legislature for more than a decade, the board announced Thursday morning following a closed session.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The abrupt announcement comes in the midst of a two-day meeting of the board that oversees the project, which continues Thursday. It follows Choudri’s tumultuous two-year tenure, which has been troubled by budget woes, project delays, transparency concerns and various scandals including the misuse of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/california-high-speed-rail-travel-expenses/\">nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money\u003c/a> for questionable trips by rail authority consultants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[ad fullwidth]\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the authority also lost $4 billion in federal funding under President Donald Trump’s administration, after the agency repeatedly missed deadlines required by the funding agreement to buy trains. The state initially sued Trump for the funding but abruptly dropped the lawsuit in December 2025, blaming Trump as “not a reliable partner” and turning to private investors instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri did not respond to an email or a text from CalMatters requesting comment Wednesday night. His resignation took effect immediately, board chair Steve Kawa said Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Today’s news reflects the board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent with the governor’s mandate,” Kawa said. “Californians deserve a project they can trust.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Investigative-Report-2026-Allegations-of-Wasteful-and-Unallowable-Travel-Expenses-for-Contracted-Consultants-A11Y.pdf\">State investigators\u003c/a> last month found the rail agency’s consultants flew first class, hailed premium rides and traveled to a nightclub, cigar lounge and restaurants on taxpayers’ dime, sometimes at Choudri’s request. Many of the trips involved traveling to Folsom, the Sacramento suburb where Choudri has a home, sometimes after hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12100017\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12100017\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Construction on the high-speed rail project over a ramp above Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 3, 2023. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters via CatchLight Local)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The board voted earlier this month to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-board-contracts/\">limit Choudri’s contracting authority\u003c/a> following the probe, requiring the in-house legal counsel to sign off first on contracts under $25 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board has been weighing additional disciplinary action against Choudri for weeks, including possible termination, according to a source with the authority who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California voters in 2008 approved a $10 billion bond to build a bullet train connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2020, with a projected cost of $45 billion. But progress stalled amid rising costs, legal fights and funding uncertainties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority’s \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Final-Business-Plan-060126-A11Y.pdf\">latest business plan\u003c/a> said the project could now cost between $126 billion and $231 billion, with the current 171-mile leg between Merced and Bakersfield under construction, and a full buildout expected by 2040.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board was supposed to decide at the meeting this week if Choudri qualified for a potential $25,000 bonus based on his performance this year, agency spokesperson Micah Flores told CalMatters last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri’s compensation this year is more than $534,000, according to agency spokesperson Annie Parker.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cost overruns, project delays, legal challenges\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Choudri was hired in August 2024 after spending decades in transportation engineering, with experience building high-speed rail in France and Spain. The board hired him in part due to his “strong understanding of complex transportation projects,” according to then-board chair Tom Richards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the agency has continued construction of the Central Valley segment and is on the cusp of getting environmental clearance from the state for all 500 miles of planned railway between San Francisco and Southern California. Newsom, a big supporter of the rail project, has committed $1 billion a year from the state’s climate fund toward the rail project until 2045.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri has also led efforts to cut consultant contract costs, attract private investments and speed up contracting, rail authority chief of staff Mark Tollefson said during a \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">Wednesday presentation\u003c/a> touting Choudri’s achievements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12107256\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12107256\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ian Choudri, CEO of California High Speed Rail, speaks during a press conference on the high-speed rail project at the Wasco Rail Yard facility in Wasco on Feb. 3, 2026. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a $772.1 million contract to Germany-based Siemens Mobility, Inc. to design, build and test three seven-car high-speed bullet trains by 2030. The authority will also pay up to $63.7 million in import duties and tariffs, because the trains will be designed and built in Germany.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The vote comes three years after the agency first opened bidding for six trainsets in August 2023 to qualify for more than $3 billion in federal grants, before ultimately losing the funding following missed deadlines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his resignation letter, Choudri said he was proud to have transformed the project.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I took on a project facing significant challenges and serious questions about its prospects for success, and led its turnaround into a successful program,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the project has continued to face significant cost overruns, schedule delays and lawsuits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083557\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A viaduct runs alongside Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 27, 2019. \u003ccite>(Alex Hall/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The train agency could run out of cash by December 2027, the office of inspector general \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OIG-HSR-Review-of-2026-Business-Plan-A11Y.pdf\">warned in July.\u003c/a> Meanwhile, the authority failed to make clear in its latest business plan that the Central Valley segment is now expected to be completed by 2034 at a cost likely exceeding $40 billion, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority also based its project schedule on the assumption it would achieve legislative proposals it \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/high-speed-rail-legislative-wins-losses/\">failed to push through this year\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To save money, the authority proposed shrinking the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment by 9 miles and moving the downtown Merced station to South Merced, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB198\">in apparent violation of state law\u003c/a>. It also requested an \u003ca href=\"https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2026090282\">exemption from environmental regulations\u003c/a> and solicited contractors for the new location, prompting a lawsuit this month from the Central Valley coalition Community Alliance for a Sustainable Economy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This challenge follows an unlawful pattern of behavior by the HSRA — proposing to relocate the downtown Merced station, then acting as if that move has been approved when it has not,” the complaint said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Questionable trips plague the authority\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Between 2024 and 2026, employees from four consulting firms working for Choudri’s agency billed the state for questionable trips to locations including gyms, a nightclub, an escape room, a tiki bar and a cigar lounge, according to last month’s probe by the inspector general’s office overseeing the rail agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many trips were poorly justified, yet the agency routinely reimbursed them without sufficient vetting, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One legal consultant traveled between Denver and Sacramento 30 times in a year, charging the state $86,500 in “travel time” payments and an additional $40,800 in reimbursements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>[aside postID=news_12105834 hero='https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-9-KQED.jpg']\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a testy meeting earlier this month, the board accused them of using the agency as a “piggy bank.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday\u003cstrong>,\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">authority staff reported\u003c/a> that the consulting firms have paid nearly $1.3 million in reimbursements to the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CalMatters filed a public records request last month seeking the questionable travel invoices from the inspector general’s office. The agency provided records only from one firm, Nossaman, arguing that the records for other consultants are related to audits or investigations and therefore are not required to be publicly disclosed under a \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb169\">recent law\u003c/a> signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The records that were released were heavily redacted by both the inspector general’s office and the rail agency, which argued much of the information is protected by attorney-client privilege.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-ceo-resigns/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "Ian Choudri, who has led the train agency since 2024, leaves a troublesome legacy marked by budget woes, project delays and various scandals, including questionable taxpayer-funded trips by consultants.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003cp>\u003c!-- Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ -->\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This story was originally published by \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/\">CalMatters\u003c/a>. \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/subscribe-to-calmatters/\">Sign up\u003c/a> for their newsletters.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The CEO of \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/california-high-speed-rail\">California’s high-speed rail\u003c/a> authority resigned late Wednesday, saying he needs to focus on “important personal and family priorities,” according to a copy of the emailed resignation obtained by CalMatters.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This has not been an easy decision, as leading the Authority has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding chapters of my professional life,” wrote Chief Executive Ian Choudri.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>He will be replaced by Joe Stephenshaw, who has led the state Department of Finance since July 2022 after working as a policy analyst in the state Legislature for more than a decade, the board announced Thursday morning following a closed session.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The abrupt announcement comes in the midst of a two-day meeting of the board that oversees the project, which continues Thursday. It follows Choudri’s tumultuous two-year tenure, which has been troubled by budget woes, project delays, transparency concerns and various scandals including the misuse of \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/california-high-speed-rail-travel-expenses/\">nearly $600,000 in taxpayer money\u003c/a> for questionable trips by rail authority consultants.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the authority also lost $4 billion in federal funding under President Donald Trump’s administration, after the agency repeatedly missed deadlines required by the funding agreement to buy trains. The state initially sued Trump for the funding but abruptly dropped the lawsuit in December 2025, blaming Trump as “not a reliable partner” and turning to private investors instead.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri did not respond to an email or a text from CalMatters requesting comment Wednesday night. His resignation took effect immediately, board chair Steve Kawa said Thursday.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“Today’s news reflects the board’s commitment to accountability and transparency, consistent with the governor’s mandate,” Kawa said. “Californians deserve a project they can trust.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Investigative-Report-2026-Allegations-of-Wasteful-and-Unallowable-Travel-Expenses-for-Contracted-Consultants-A11Y.pdf\">State investigators\u003c/a> last month found the rail agency’s consultants flew first class, hailed premium rides and traveled to a nightclub, cigar lounge and restaurants on taxpayers’ dime, sometimes at Choudri’s request. Many of the trips involved traveling to Folsom, the Sacramento suburb where Choudri has a home, sometimes after hours.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12100017\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12100017\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/09/CMHighSpeedRail2-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Construction on the high-speed rail project over a ramp above Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 3, 2023. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters via CatchLight Local)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The board voted earlier this month to \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-board-contracts/\">limit Choudri’s contracting authority\u003c/a> following the probe, requiring the in-house legal counsel to sign off first on contracts under $25 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board has been weighing additional disciplinary action against Choudri for weeks, including possible termination, according to a source with the authority who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on the matter.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>California voters in 2008 approved a $10 billion bond to build a bullet train connecting San Francisco to Los Angeles by 2020, with a projected cost of $45 billion. But progress stalled amid rising costs, legal fights and funding uncertainties.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority’s \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/2026-Final-Business-Plan-060126-A11Y.pdf\">latest business plan\u003c/a> said the project could now cost between $126 billion and $231 billion, with the current 171-mile leg between Merced and Bakersfield under construction, and a full buildout expected by 2040.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The board was supposed to decide at the meeting this week if Choudri qualified for a potential $25,000 bonus based on his performance this year, agency spokesperson Micah Flores told CalMatters last month.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri’s compensation this year is more than $534,000, according to agency spokesperson Annie Parker.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Cost overruns, project delays, legal challenges\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Choudri was hired in August 2024 after spending decades in transportation engineering, with experience building high-speed rail in France and Spain. The board hired him in part due to his “strong understanding of complex transportation projects,” according to then-board chair Tom Richards.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Under Choudri, the agency has continued construction of the Central Valley segment and is on the cusp of getting environmental clearance from the state for all 500 miles of planned railway between San Francisco and Southern California. Newsom, a big supporter of the rail project, has committed $1 billion a year from the state’s climate fund toward the rail project until 2045.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Choudri has also led efforts to cut consultant contract costs, attract private investments and speed up contracting, rail authority chief of staff Mark Tollefson said during a \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">Wednesday presentation\u003c/a> touting Choudri’s achievements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12107256\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12107256\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/HighSpeedRail2-40058538-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ian Choudri, CEO of California High Speed Rail, speaks during a press conference on the high-speed rail project at the Wasco Rail Yard facility in Wasco on Feb. 3, 2026. \u003ccite>(Larry Valenzuela/CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a $772.1 million contract to Germany-based Siemens Mobility, Inc. to design, build and test three seven-car high-speed bullet trains by 2030. The authority will also pay up to $63.7 million in import duties and tariffs, because the trains will be designed and built in Germany.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The vote comes three years after the agency first opened bidding for six trainsets in August 2023 to qualify for more than $3 billion in federal grants, before ultimately losing the funding following missed deadlines.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In his resignation letter, Choudri said he was proud to have transformed the project.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“I took on a project facing significant challenges and serious questions about its prospects for success, and led its turnaround into a successful program,” he wrote.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>But the project has continued to face significant cost overruns, schedule delays and lawsuits.\u003c/p>\n\u003cfigure id=\"attachment_12083557\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\" style=\"max-width: 2000px\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-12083557\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/05/IMG_4619_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-caption-text\">A viaduct runs alongside Highway 99 in south Fresno on March 27, 2019. \u003ccite>(Alex Hall/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003cp>The train agency could run out of cash by December 2027, the office of inspector general \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/OIG-HSR-Review-of-2026-Business-Plan-A11Y.pdf\">warned in July.\u003c/a> Meanwhile, the authority failed to make clear in its latest business plan that the Central Valley segment is now expected to be completed by 2034 at a cost likely exceeding $40 billion, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The authority also based its project schedule on the assumption it would achieve legislative proposals it \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/09/high-speed-rail-legislative-wins-losses/\">failed to push through this year\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>To save money, the authority proposed shrinking the Merced-to-Bakersfield segment by 9 miles and moving the downtown Merced station to South Merced, \u003ca href=\"https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202120220SB198\">in apparent violation of state law\u003c/a>. It also requested an \u003ca href=\"https://ceqanet.lci.ca.gov/2026090282\">exemption from environmental regulations\u003c/a> and solicited contractors for the new location, prompting a lawsuit this month from the Central Valley coalition Community Alliance for a Sustainable Economy.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>“This challenge follows an unlawful pattern of behavior by the HSRA — proposing to relocate the downtown Merced station, then acting as if that move has been approved when it has not,” the complaint said.\u003c/p>\n\u003ch2>Questionable trips plague the authority\u003c/h2>\n\u003cp>Between 2024 and 2026, employees from four consulting firms working for Choudri’s agency billed the state for questionable trips to locations including gyms, a nightclub, an escape room, a tiki bar and a cigar lounge, according to last month’s probe by the inspector general’s office overseeing the rail agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>Many trips were poorly justified, yet the agency routinely reimbursed them without sufficient vetting, the inspector general said.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>One legal consultant traveled between Denver and Sacramento 30 times in a year, charging the state $86,500 in “travel time” payments and an additional $40,800 in reimbursements.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003c/p>\u003c/div>",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>In a testy meeting earlier this month, the board accused them of using the agency as a “piggy bank.”\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>On Wednesday\u003cstrong>,\u003c/strong> \u003ca href=\"https://hsr.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-28-PPT-CEO-Report-A11Y.pdf\">authority staff reported\u003c/a> that the consulting firms have paid nearly $1.3 million in reimbursements to the agency.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>CalMatters filed a public records request last month seeking the questionable travel invoices from the inspector general’s office. The agency provided records only from one firm, Nossaman, arguing that the records for other consultants are related to audits or investigations and therefore are not required to be publicly disclosed under a \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.digitaldemocracy.org/bills/ca_202520260sb169\">recent law\u003c/a> signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>The records that were released were heavily redacted by both the inspector general’s office and the rail agency, which argued much of the information is protected by attorney-client privilege.\u003c/p>\n\u003cp>\u003cem>This article was \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/politics/2026/10/california-high-speed-rail-ceo-resigns/\">originally published on CalMatters\u003c/a> and was republished under the \u003ca href=\"https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/\">Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives\u003c/a> license.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All lanes on Interstate 880 in Hayward fully reopened to traffic early Wednesday, after the California Highway Patrol said a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tesla\">Tesla\u003c/a> semitruck caught fire on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fire completely shut down northbound and southbound traffic due to “the potential risk of hazardous chemical smoke,” at 6:33 p.m. on Tuesday, CHP said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northbound lanes reopened at 8:40 p.m., but southbound lanes reopened Wednesday at 3:31 a.m. Only the semi was involved in the incident, and the driver left the vehicle uninjured, CHP Officer Rolando Guzman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The truck’s driver told officers the Tesla caught fire and didn’t know why, multiple news organizations report. Guzman told KQED he is working to confirm the driver’s report with an investigator. An investigation into the fire is underway. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Videos of the fire on social media show that the semi appears to belong to Frito-Lay, which has locations in the Bay Area and Central Valley. Frito-Lay did not respond to a request for comment, but the company and PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, were early Tesla \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1578170980283076608/photo/1\">customers\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/PepsiCo/status/1578399762981732352\">to support plants\u003c/a> in Modesto and Sacramento. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tesla began deliveries of new semis to PepsiCo and Microsoft, among other customers, just last month, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-set-formally-roll-out-semi-electric-trucks-nevada-event-2026-09-24/\">Reuters\u003c/a> reported. It’s not clear if the semi that caught fire is part of the older or new fleet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incident is the latest involving a Tesla vehicle that has resulted in damages or injuries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this month, two Tesla cars were involved in Bay Area collisions while in self-driving mode. On Oct. 13, a man at the wheel of a self-driving Tesla fell asleep and crashed into a CHP vehicle in Fairfield. Then, on Oct. 22, a self-driving Tesla struck and killed a 71-year-old man who was crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo, according to CHP. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2024, another Tesla semi caught fire in Northern California when it \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY24FH015.aspx\">crashed\u003c/a> on I-80 and required tens of thousands of gallons of water to extinguish. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teslas use lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite due to overheating, overcharging or aging, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usfa.fema.gov/a-z/lithium-ion-batteries/risks-and-response-strategies/\">according to the U.S. Fire Administration\u003c/a>. The USFA said that this can pose unique challenges for firefighters battling lithium-ion battery fires — the potential for chemical exposure and possible reignition among them.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>All lanes on Interstate 880 in Hayward fully reopened to traffic early Wednesday, after the California Highway Patrol said a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tesla\">Tesla\u003c/a> semitruck caught fire on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The fire completely shut down northbound and southbound traffic due to “the potential risk of hazardous chemical smoke,” at 6:33 p.m. on Tuesday, CHP said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Northbound lanes reopened at 8:40 p.m., but southbound lanes reopened Wednesday at 3:31 a.m. Only the semi was involved in the incident, and the driver left the vehicle uninjured, CHP Officer Rolando Guzman said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Northbound lanes reopened at 8:40 p.m., but southbound lanes reopened Wednesday at 3:31 a.m. Only the semi was involved in the incident, and the driver left the vehicle uninjured, CHP Officer Rolando Guzman said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The truck’s driver told officers the Tesla caught fire and didn’t know why, multiple news organizations report. Guzman told KQED he is working to confirm the driver’s report with an investigator. An investigation into the fire is underway. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Videos of the fire on social media show that the semi appears to belong to Frito-Lay, which has locations in the Bay Area and Central Valley. Frito-Lay did not respond to a request for comment, but the company and PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, were early Tesla \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1578170980283076608/photo/1\">customers\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/PepsiCo/status/1578399762981732352\">to support plants\u003c/a> in Modesto and Sacramento. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Videos of the fire on social media show that the semi appears to belong to Frito-Lay, which has locations in the Bay Area and Central Valley. Frito-Lay did not respond to a request for comment, but the company and PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, were early Tesla \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1578170980283076608/photo/1\">customers\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/PepsiCo/status/1578399762981732352\">to support plants\u003c/a> in Modesto and Sacramento. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tesla began deliveries of new semis to PepsiCo and Microsoft, among other customers, just last month, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-set-formally-roll-out-semi-electric-trucks-nevada-event-2026-09-24/\">Reuters\u003c/a> reported. It’s not clear if the semi that caught fire is part of the older or new fleet. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The incident is the latest involving a Tesla vehicle that has resulted in damages or injuries. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, two Tesla cars were involved in Bay Area collisions while in self-driving mode. On Oct. 13, a man at the wheel of a self-driving Tesla fell asleep and crashed into a CHP vehicle in Fairfield. Then, on Oct. 22, a self-driving Tesla struck and killed a 71-year-old man who was crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo, according to CHP. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Earlier this month, two Tesla cars were involved in Bay Area collisions while in self-driving mode. On Oct. 13, a man at the wheel of a self-driving Tesla fell asleep and crashed into a CHP vehicle in Fairfield. Then, on Oct. 22, a self-driving Tesla struck and killed a 71-year-old man who was crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo, according to CHP. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2024, another Tesla semi caught fire in Northern California when it \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY24FH015.aspx\">crashed\u003c/a> on I-80 and required tens of thousands of gallons of water to extinguish. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Teslas use lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite due to overheating, overcharging or aging, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usfa.fema.gov/a-z/lithium-ion-batteries/risks-and-response-strategies/\">according to the U.S. Fire Administration\u003c/a>. The USFA said that this can pose unique challenges for firefighters battling lithium-ion battery fires — the potential for chemical exposure and possible reignition among them.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The agency said all lanes reopened early Wednesday, after multiple reports say the driver told CHP the vehicle burst into flames.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All lanes on Interstate 880 in Hayward fully reopened to traffic early Wednesday, after the California Highway Patrol said a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/tesla\">Tesla\u003c/a> semitruck caught fire on Tuesday. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fire completely shut down northbound and southbound traffic due to “the potential risk of hazardous chemical smoke,” at 6:33 p.m. on Tuesday, CHP said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Northbound lanes reopened at 8:40 p.m., but southbound lanes reopened Wednesday at 3:31 a.m. Only the semi was involved in the incident, and the driver left the vehicle uninjured, CHP Officer Rolando Guzman said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The truck’s driver told officers the Tesla caught fire and didn’t know why, multiple news organizations report. Guzman told KQED he is working to confirm the driver’s report with an investigator. An investigation into the fire is underway. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tesla did not respond to a request for comment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Videos of the fire on social media show that the semi appears to belong to Frito-Lay, which has locations in the Bay Area and Central Valley. Frito-Lay did not respond to a request for comment, but the company and PepsiCo, which owns Frito-Lay, were early Tesla \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1578170980283076608/photo/1\">customers\u003c/a> \u003ca href=\"https://x.com/PepsiCo/status/1578399762981732352\">to support plants\u003c/a> in Modesto and Sacramento. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tesla began deliveries of new semis to PepsiCo and Microsoft, among other customers, just last month, \u003ca href=\"https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-set-formally-roll-out-semi-electric-trucks-nevada-event-2026-09-24/\">Reuters\u003c/a> reported. It’s not clear if the semi that caught fire is part of the older or new fleet. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The incident is the latest involving a Tesla vehicle that has resulted in damages or injuries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Earlier this month, two Tesla cars were involved in Bay Area collisions while in self-driving mode. On Oct. 13, a man at the wheel of a self-driving Tesla fell asleep and crashed into a CHP vehicle in Fairfield. Then, on Oct. 22, a self-driving Tesla struck and killed a 71-year-old man who was crossing Interstate 80 in Vallejo, according to CHP. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2024, another Tesla semi caught fire in Northern California when it \u003ca href=\"https://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/Pages/HWY24FH015.aspx\">crashed\u003c/a> on I-80 and required tens of thousands of gallons of water to extinguish. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Teslas use lithium-ion batteries, which can ignite due to overheating, overcharging or aging, \u003ca href=\"https://www.usfa.fema.gov/a-z/lithium-ion-batteries/risks-and-response-strategies/\">according to the U.S. Fire Administration\u003c/a>. The USFA said that this can pose unique challenges for firefighters battling lithium-ion battery fires — the potential for chemical exposure and possible reignition among them.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "san-jose-launches-its-automated-speed-cameras-heres-where-theyll-be",
"title": "San José Launches Its Automated Speed Cameras. Here’s Where They’ll Be",
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"headTitle": "San José Launches Its Automated Speed Cameras. Here’s Where They’ll Be | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a> has launched its automated speed safety camera program in an effort to curb the city’s most deadly driving behavior, Mayor Matt Mahan announced Friday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cameras will be located at 33 locations throughout the city — two at each site. Beginning Dec. 14, the cameras will issue warnings to any vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit. Sixty days later, they’ll issue citations starting at $50, with higher penalties for greater speeds. Every vehicle gets one courtesy warning for its first violation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This is really about enhancing community safety,” Mahan said. “It’s devastating to meet families who have lost loved ones unexpectedly due to traffic accidents, and particularly speeding.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speeding is the No. 1 cause of traffic accidents and fatalities in San José, Mahan said. The city has, so far, recorded 41 traffic-related deaths this year — down from a high of 65 in 2022. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mahan said more people die in traffic deaths than by homicide in San José.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr />\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=17yS8nWG7aEm0iPHhaYgVvAm72UjawrE&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ This is a step towards preventing the kind of tragedy that shattered our world,” said Jorge Quiroz, whose 5-year-old daughter Aileen was days away from graduating kindergarten when she, her sister and her aunt were struck by a speeding driver near San José’s Parkview Elementary in 2013.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quiroz said Aileen was killed instantly, and he and his wife Elizabeth then spent five years advocating for a speed camera pilot to state lawmakers in Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ It’s not to punish the drivers. We want to change the culture,” Quiroz said. “We want them to think of these cameras as a saving life tool. I want them to think of Aileen, of those families who will never get another hug.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of the city’s 10 City Council districts will have at least one camera. The city selected camera locations based on past crash history, including sites that have seen collisions due to speeding, red light running or failure to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists, as well as proximity to places like hospitals and senior centers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San José is the final Bay Area city to implement AB 645, a state law passed in 2023 — which authorized six cities in the state, including San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach, Glendale and Los Angeles — to pilot automated speed enforcement for five years or until Jan. 1, 2032, whichever comes first. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mahan said San José intended to be the first city to start the pilot, but it faced delays because the Trump administration withheld an $8.5 million grant that it had previously awarded to the city to cover some of the program’s costs. He said the city was instead forced to source that funding from local revenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under state law, San José’s speed cameras are set to begin issuing citations on Feb. 12, 2027. The city has installed cameras at four locations and plans to finish over the next several weeks, Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city estimates the program will cost between $15.4 million and $17.9 million to install, operate and maintain over the five-year pilot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speed cameras \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050882/sfs-speed-cameras-a-good-first-step-but-bittersweet-for-families-of-speeding-victims\">began ticketing\u003c/a> in San Francisco in August 2025 and in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075751/oaklands-speed-cameras-start-ticketing-sunday-here-are-the-hot-spots\">Oakland\u003c/a> in March 2026. Both cities have reported major drops in speeding at camera locations since the cameras began operating.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to a recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/media/50300/download?inline\">report\u003c/a> on the first 18 months of San Francisco’s program, the share of drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit dropped by nearly 84% across camera locations compared to pre-implementation levels — and 63% of the vehicles cited did not get a second warning or citation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re seeing significant progress over time, which overall makes San Francisco streets safer,” said Viktoriya Wise, director of streets at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032139\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A speed camera on Geary Street in San Francisco on March 19, 2025. (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an August \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095997/oakland-speed-cameras-show-promise-more-than-half-of-tickets-go-to-non-residents\">report\u003c/a> on the first six months of its program, Oakland said drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit dropped by 70% at its camera locations. One location saw a 91% reduction in speeding, according to the city’s Department of Transportation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Street safety advocacy groups, like Walk San Francisco, have begun pushing for a new state law to expand San Francisco’s speed camera program and expand it to other cities in the state.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Walk SF is aware of more than a dozen California cities, big and small, that now want speed camera programs for their city to help address dangerous speeding,” said Marta Lindsey, communications director for Walk San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San José, like other Bay Area cities, has recently seen intense opposition to other camera systems in use in the city, like the nearly 500 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102922/south-bay-judge-rules-san-joses-flock-cameras-dont-invade-privacy\">automated license plate readers\u003c/a> operated by the company Flock Safety, but Mahan stressed that the speed cameras “are not surveillance cameras.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ We don’t know who’s in the vehicle. There’s no facial recognition. There’s no image of the people,” Mahan said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The speed cameras will only capture a vehicle’s rear license plate, unlike Flock’s technology, which also records vehicle characteristics. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city also operates four \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058285/san-jose-launches-new-red-light-cameras-in-effort-to-reduce-traffic-deaths\">red-light cameras under a separate pilot program\u003c/a>, which ticket drivers who drive through an intersection against a red light. San José has cited red-light running as the second-highest contributing factor to traffic deaths and severe injuries in the city, after speeding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mahan said speed camera data will be deleted within five days if no infraction is issued, and within 60 days if there is an infraction. He said the city has sole control over the encrypted data and is not allowed to share it with any other levels of government unless ordered by a court. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safe streets advocates in Oakland have said the speed cameras are a good step to help reduce speeding, but cities should continue to focus on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065712/to-fix-oaklands-speeding-problem-automated-cameras-cant-do-it-alone\">other measures\u003c/a> to discourage the behavior, like redesigning roads in ways that force drivers to travel more slowly and protect cyclists and pedestrians. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city has contracted Verra Mobility Services, an Arizona-based transportation technology company, to provide tech support and process citations. Verra holds similar contracts for San Francisco’s and Oakland’s automated speed camera programs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Citations generated by automated speed cameras are a civil penalty, so they don’t generate points against a driver’s driving record like a criminal penalty. Revenue generated from San José’s speed camera citations will go toward the cost of running the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/projects/speed-cameras-project\">program\u003c/a>, and any surplus revenue may only be used on traffic safety improvements, in accordance with AB 645. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quiroz said speed cameras are “just another tool” to prevent speeding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ Is it going to solve the whole issue? No, I don’t think so. But I think it’s going to help save lives,” he said. “This is so preventable.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">\u003cem>Sara Hossaini\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a> has launched its automated speed safety camera program in an effort to curb the city’s most deadly driving behavior, Mayor Matt Mahan announced Friday.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a> has launched its automated speed safety camera program in an effort to curb the city’s most deadly driving behavior, Mayor Matt Mahan announced Friday.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The cameras will be located at 33 locations throughout the city — two at each site. Beginning Dec. 14, the cameras will issue warnings to any vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit. Sixty days later, they’ll issue citations starting at $50, with higher penalties for greater speeds. Every vehicle gets one courtesy warning for its first violation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The cameras will be located at 33 locations throughout the city — two at each site. Beginning Dec. 14, the cameras will issue warnings to any vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit. Sixty days later, they’ll issue citations starting at $50, with higher penalties for greater speeds. Every vehicle gets one courtesy warning for its first violation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“This is really about enhancing community safety,” Mahan said. “It’s devastating to meet families who have lost loved ones unexpectedly due to traffic accidents, and particularly speeding.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“This is really about enhancing community safety,” Mahan said. “It’s devastating to meet families who have lost loved ones unexpectedly due to traffic accidents, and particularly speeding.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Speeding is the No. 1 cause of traffic accidents and fatalities in San José, Mahan said. The city has, so far, recorded 41 traffic-related deaths this year — down from a high of 65 in 2022. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Speeding is the No. 1 cause of traffic accidents and fatalities in San José, Mahan said. The city has, so far, recorded 41 traffic-related deaths this year — down from a high of 65 in 2022. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mahan said more people die in traffic deaths than by homicide in San José.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ This is a step towards preventing the kind of tragedy that shattered our world,” said Jorge Quiroz, whose 5-year-old daughter Aileen was days away from graduating kindergarten when she, her sister and her aunt were struck by a speeding driver near San José’s Parkview Elementary in 2013.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ This is a step towards preventing the kind of tragedy that shattered our world,” said Jorge Quiroz, whose 5-year-old daughter Aileen was days away from graduating kindergarten when she, her sister and her aunt were struck by a speeding driver near San José’s Parkview Elementary in 2013.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quiroz said Aileen was killed instantly, and he and his wife Elizabeth then spent five years advocating for a speed camera pilot to state lawmakers in Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ It’s not to punish the drivers. We want to change the culture,” Quiroz said. “We want them to think of these cameras as a saving life tool. I want them to think of Aileen, of those families who will never get another hug.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ It’s not to punish the drivers. We want to change the culture,” Quiroz said. “We want them to think of these cameras as a saving life tool. I want them to think of Aileen, of those families who will never get another hug.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Each of the city’s 10 City Council districts will have at least one camera. The city selected camera locations based on past crash history, including sites that have seen collisions due to speeding, red light running or failure to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists, as well as proximity to places like hospitals and senior centers.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Each of the city’s 10 City Council districts will have at least one camera. The city selected camera locations based on past crash history, including sites that have seen collisions due to speeding, red light running or failure to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists, as well as proximity to places like hospitals and senior centers.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San José is the final Bay Area city to implement AB 645, a state law passed in 2023 — which authorized six cities in the state, including San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach, Glendale and Los Angeles — to pilot automated speed enforcement for five years or until Jan. 1, 2032, whichever comes first. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San José is the final Bay Area city to implement AB 645, a state law passed in 2023 — which authorized six cities in the state, including San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach, Glendale and Los Angeles — to pilot automated speed enforcement for five years or until Jan. 1, 2032, whichever comes first. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mahan said San José intended to be the first city to start the pilot, but it faced delays because the Trump administration withheld an $8.5 million grant that it had previously awarded to the city to cover some of the program’s costs. He said the city was instead forced to source that funding from local revenue. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mahan said San José intended to be the first city to start the pilot, but it faced delays because the Trump administration withheld an $8.5 million grant that it had previously awarded to the city to cover some of the program’s costs. He said the city was instead forced to source that funding from local revenue. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Under state law, San José’s speed cameras are set to begin issuing citations on Feb. 12, 2027. The city has installed cameras at four locations and plans to finish over the next several weeks, Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Under state law, San José’s speed cameras are set to begin issuing citations on Feb. 12, 2027. The city has installed cameras at four locations and plans to finish over the next several weeks, Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The city estimates the program will cost between $15.4 million and $17.9 million to install, operate and maintain over the five-year pilot. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The city estimates the program will cost between $15.4 million and $17.9 million to install, operate and maintain over the five-year pilot. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Speed cameras \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050882/sfs-speed-cameras-a-good-first-step-but-bittersweet-for-families-of-speeding-victims\">began ticketing\u003c/a> in San Francisco in August 2025 and in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075751/oaklands-speed-cameras-start-ticketing-sunday-here-are-the-hot-spots\">Oakland\u003c/a> in March 2026. Both cities have reported major drops in speeding at camera locations since the cameras began operating.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Speed cameras \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050882/sfs-speed-cameras-a-good-first-step-but-bittersweet-for-families-of-speeding-victims\">began ticketing\u003c/a> in San Francisco in August 2025 and in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075751/oaklands-speed-cameras-start-ticketing-sunday-here-are-the-hot-spots\">Oakland\u003c/a> in March 2026. Both cities have reported major drops in speeding at camera locations since the cameras began operating.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>According to a recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/media/50300/download?inline\">report\u003c/a> on the first 18 months of San Francisco’s program, the share of drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit dropped by nearly 84% across camera locations compared to pre-implementation levels — and 63% of the vehicles cited did not get a second warning or citation.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>According to a recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/media/50300/download?inline\">report\u003c/a> on the first 18 months of San Francisco’s program, the share of drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit dropped by nearly 84% across camera locations compared to pre-implementation levels — and 63% of the vehicles cited did not get a second warning or citation.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing significant progress over time, which overall makes San Francisco streets safer,” said Viktoriya Wise, director of streets at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re seeing significant progress over time, which overall makes San Francisco streets safer,” said Viktoriya Wise, director of streets at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032139\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A speed camera on Geary Street in San Francisco on March 19, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032139\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A speed camera on Geary Street in San Francisco on March 19, 2025.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In an August \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095997/oakland-speed-cameras-show-promise-more-than-half-of-tickets-go-to-non-residents\">report\u003c/a> on the first six months of its program, Oakland said drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit dropped by 70% at its camera locations. One location saw a 91% reduction in speeding, according to the city’s Department of Transportation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In an August \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095997/oakland-speed-cameras-show-promise-more-than-half-of-tickets-go-to-non-residents\">report\u003c/a> on the first six months of its program, Oakland said drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit dropped by 70% at its camera locations. One location saw a 91% reduction in speeding, according to the city’s Department of Transportation. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Street safety advocacy groups, like Walk San Francisco, have begun pushing for a new state law to expand San Francisco’s speed camera program and expand it to other cities in the state.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Street safety advocacy groups, like Walk San Francisco, have begun pushing for a new state law to expand San Francisco’s speed camera program and expand it to other cities in the state.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“Walk SF is aware of more than a dozen California cities, big and small, that now want speed camera programs for their city to help address dangerous speeding,” said Marta Lindsey, communications director for Walk San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“Walk SF is aware of more than a dozen California cities, big and small, that now want speed camera programs for their city to help address dangerous speeding,” said Marta Lindsey, communications director for Walk San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>San José, like other Bay Area cities, has recently seen intense opposition to other camera systems in use in the city, like the nearly 500 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102922/south-bay-judge-rules-san-joses-flock-cameras-dont-invade-privacy\">automated license plate readers\u003c/a> operated by the company Flock Safety, but Mahan stressed that the speed cameras “are not surveillance cameras.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>San José, like other Bay Area cities, has recently seen intense opposition to other camera systems in use in the city, like the nearly 500 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102922/south-bay-judge-rules-san-joses-flock-cameras-dont-invade-privacy\">automated license plate readers\u003c/a> operated by the company Flock Safety, but Mahan stressed that the speed cameras “are not surveillance cameras.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ We don’t know who’s in the vehicle. There’s no facial recognition. There’s no image of the people,” Mahan said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ We don’t know who’s in the vehicle. There’s no facial recognition. There’s no image of the people,” Mahan said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The speed cameras will only capture a vehicle’s rear license plate, unlike Flock’s technology, which also records vehicle characteristics. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The city also operates four \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058285/san-jose-launches-new-red-light-cameras-in-effort-to-reduce-traffic-deaths\">red-light cameras under a separate pilot program\u003c/a>, which ticket drivers who drive through an intersection against a red light. San José has cited red-light running as the second-highest contributing factor to traffic deaths and severe injuries in the city, after speeding. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Mahan said speed camera data will be deleted within five days if no infraction is issued, and within 60 days if there is an infraction. He said the city has sole control over the encrypted data and is not allowed to share it with any other levels of government unless ordered by a court. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Mahan said speed camera data will be deleted within five days if no infraction is issued, and within 60 days if there is an infraction. He said the city has sole control over the encrypted data and is not allowed to share it with any other levels of government unless ordered by a court. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Safe streets advocates in Oakland have said the speed cameras are a good step to help reduce speeding, but cities should continue to focus on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065712/to-fix-oaklands-speeding-problem-automated-cameras-cant-do-it-alone\">other measures\u003c/a> to discourage the behavior, like redesigning roads in ways that force drivers to travel more slowly and protect cyclists and pedestrians. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Safe streets advocates in Oakland have said the speed cameras are a good step to help reduce speeding, but cities should continue to focus on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065712/to-fix-oaklands-speeding-problem-automated-cameras-cant-do-it-alone\">other measures\u003c/a> to discourage the behavior, like redesigning roads in ways that force drivers to travel more slowly and protect cyclists and pedestrians. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The city has contracted Verra Mobility Services, an Arizona-based transportation technology company, to provide tech support and process citations. Verra holds similar contracts for San Francisco’s and Oakland’s automated speed camera programs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The city has contracted Verra Mobility Services, an Arizona-based transportation technology company, to provide tech support and process citations. Verra holds similar contracts for San Francisco’s and Oakland’s automated speed camera programs. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Citations generated by automated speed cameras are a civil penalty, so they don’t generate points against a driver’s driving record like a criminal penalty. Revenue generated from San José’s speed camera citations will go toward the cost of running the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/projects/speed-cameras-project\">program\u003c/a>, and any surplus revenue may only be used on traffic safety improvements, in accordance with AB 645. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Citations generated by automated speed cameras are a civil penalty, so they don’t generate points against a driver’s driving record like a criminal penalty. Revenue generated from San José’s speed camera citations will go toward the cost of running the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/projects/speed-cameras-project\">program\u003c/a>, and any surplus revenue may only be used on traffic safety improvements, in accordance with AB 645. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quiroz said speed cameras are “just another tool” to prevent speeding. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ Is it going to solve the whole issue? No, I don’t think so. But I think it’s going to help save lives,” he said. “This is so preventable.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ Is it going to solve the whole issue? No, I don’t think so. But I think it’s going to help save lives,” he said. “This is so preventable.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">\u003cem>Sara Hossaini\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The city has started to install cameras at 33 locations, including some of the most dangerous corridors. ",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/san-jose\">San José\u003c/a> has launched its automated speed safety camera program in an effort to curb the city’s most deadly driving behavior, Mayor Matt Mahan announced Friday.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cameras will be located at 33 locations throughout the city — two at each site. Beginning Dec. 14, the cameras will issue warnings to any vehicles traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit. Sixty days later, they’ll issue citations starting at $50, with higher penalties for greater speeds. Every vehicle gets one courtesy warning for its first violation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“This is really about enhancing community safety,” Mahan said. “It’s devastating to meet families who have lost loved ones unexpectedly due to traffic accidents, and particularly speeding.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speeding is the No. 1 cause of traffic accidents and fatalities in San José, Mahan said. The city has, so far, recorded 41 traffic-related deaths this year — down from a high of 65 in 2022. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mahan said more people die in traffic deaths than by homicide in San José.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003c!-- iframe plugin v.4.3 wordpress.org/plugins/iframe/ -->\u003cbr />\n\u003ciframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=17yS8nWG7aEm0iPHhaYgVvAm72UjawrE&ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" scrolling=\"yes\" class=\"iframe-class\" frameborder=\"0\">\u003c/iframe>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ This is a step towards preventing the kind of tragedy that shattered our world,” said Jorge Quiroz, whose 5-year-old daughter Aileen was days away from graduating kindergarten when she, her sister and her aunt were struck by a speeding driver near San José’s Parkview Elementary in 2013.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quiroz said Aileen was killed instantly, and he and his wife Elizabeth then spent five years advocating for a speed camera pilot to state lawmakers in Sacramento.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ It’s not to punish the drivers. We want to change the culture,” Quiroz said. “We want them to think of these cameras as a saving life tool. I want them to think of Aileen, of those families who will never get another hug.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each of the city’s 10 City Council districts will have at least one camera. The city selected camera locations based on past crash history, including sites that have seen collisions due to speeding, red light running or failure to yield to pedestrians or bicyclists, as well as proximity to places like hospitals and senior centers.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San José is the final Bay Area city to implement AB 645, a state law passed in 2023 — which authorized six cities in the state, including San Francisco, Oakland, Long Beach, Glendale and Los Angeles — to pilot automated speed enforcement for five years or until Jan. 1, 2032, whichever comes first. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mahan said San José intended to be the first city to start the pilot, but it faced delays because the Trump administration withheld an $8.5 million grant that it had previously awarded to the city to cover some of the program’s costs. He said the city was instead forced to source that funding from local revenue. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under state law, San José’s speed cameras are set to begin issuing citations on Feb. 12, 2027. The city has installed cameras at four locations and plans to finish over the next several weeks, Mahan said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city estimates the program will cost between $15.4 million and $17.9 million to install, operate and maintain over the five-year pilot. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speed cameras \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12050882/sfs-speed-cameras-a-good-first-step-but-bittersweet-for-families-of-speeding-victims\">began ticketing\u003c/a> in San Francisco in August 2025 and in \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12075751/oaklands-speed-cameras-start-ticketing-sunday-here-are-the-hot-spots\">Oakland\u003c/a> in March 2026. Both cities have reported major drops in speeding at camera locations since the cameras began operating.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to a recent \u003ca href=\"https://www.sfmta.com/media/50300/download?inline\">report\u003c/a> on the first 18 months of San Francisco’s program, the share of drivers traveling more than 10 mph over the speed limit dropped by nearly 84% across camera locations compared to pre-implementation levels — and 63% of the vehicles cited did not get a second warning or citation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re seeing significant progress over time, which overall makes San Francisco streets safer,” said Viktoriya Wise, director of streets at the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12032139\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/03/250319-SF-SPEED-CAMERAS-MD-02-KQED-1920x1280.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A speed camera on Geary Street in San Francisco on March 19, 2025. (Martin do Nascimento/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In an August \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12095997/oakland-speed-cameras-show-promise-more-than-half-of-tickets-go-to-non-residents\">report\u003c/a> on the first six months of its program, Oakland said drivers traveling 11 mph or more over the speed limit dropped by 70% at its camera locations. One location saw a 91% reduction in speeding, according to the city’s Department of Transportation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Street safety advocacy groups, like Walk San Francisco, have begun pushing for a new state law to expand San Francisco’s speed camera program and expand it to other cities in the state.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“Walk SF is aware of more than a dozen California cities, big and small, that now want speed camera programs for their city to help address dangerous speeding,” said Marta Lindsey, communications director for Walk San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">San José, like other Bay Area cities, has recently seen intense opposition to other camera systems in use in the city, like the nearly 500 \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12102922/south-bay-judge-rules-san-joses-flock-cameras-dont-invade-privacy\">automated license plate readers\u003c/a> operated by the company Flock Safety, but Mahan stressed that the speed cameras “are not surveillance cameras.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ We don’t know who’s in the vehicle. There’s no facial recognition. There’s no image of the people,” Mahan said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The speed cameras will only capture a vehicle’s rear license plate, unlike Flock’s technology, which also records vehicle characteristics. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city also operates four \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12058285/san-jose-launches-new-red-light-cameras-in-effort-to-reduce-traffic-deaths\">red-light cameras under a separate pilot program\u003c/a>, which ticket drivers who drive through an intersection against a red light. San José has cited red-light running as the second-highest contributing factor to traffic deaths and severe injuries in the city, after speeding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mahan said speed camera data will be deleted within five days if no infraction is issued, and within 60 days if there is an infraction. He said the city has sole control over the encrypted data and is not allowed to share it with any other levels of government unless ordered by a court. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Safe streets advocates in Oakland have said the speed cameras are a good step to help reduce speeding, but cities should continue to focus on \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12065712/to-fix-oaklands-speeding-problem-automated-cameras-cant-do-it-alone\">other measures\u003c/a> to discourage the behavior, like redesigning roads in ways that force drivers to travel more slowly and protect cyclists and pedestrians. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The city has contracted Verra Mobility Services, an Arizona-based transportation technology company, to provide tech support and process citations. Verra holds similar contracts for San Francisco’s and Oakland’s automated speed camera programs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Citations generated by automated speed cameras are a civil penalty, so they don’t generate points against a driver’s driving record like a criminal penalty. Revenue generated from San José’s speed camera citations will go toward the cost of running the \u003ca href=\"https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/transportation/projects/speed-cameras-project\">program\u003c/a>, and any surplus revenue may only be used on traffic safety improvements, in accordance with AB 645. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quiroz said speed cameras are “just another tool” to prevent speeding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ Is it going to solve the whole issue? No, I don’t think so. But I think it’s going to help save lives,” he said. “This is so preventable.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s\u003c/em> \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/author/shossaini\">\u003cem>Sara Hossaini\u003c/em>\u003c/a> \u003cem>contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"title": "I-80 Closure Could Snarl Traffic Through San Francisco This Weekend: What to Know",
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"headTitle": "I-80 Closure Could Snarl Traffic Through San Francisco This Weekend: What to Know | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers heading into San Francisco from the Bay Bridge over the weekend are likely to run into massive traffic delays — due to yet \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\">another\u003c/a> round of closures and ongoing roadwork.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting Friday at 11 p.m., Caltrans is shutting down all westbound lanes of Interstate 80, also known as the Bayshore Freeway, from Fifth to 15th streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road won’t open until Monday at 6 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 55-hour closure is the latest in a series of road repair and reconstruction that has swept major arteries in San Francisco, including Interstate 280, U.S. Route 101 and 19th Avenue on the city’s west side, which is also State Route 1. \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/10/2026/04/041826-I80Closure-JY-10-scaled-e1776797059766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12080556\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans project manager Rob Kobal walks along I-80 eastbound in San Francisco on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We understand there’s never a good time to close a major freeway,” Caltrans spokesperson Pedro Quintana said. “We understand that, but we need to get this work done.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People traveling through the city this weekend should have a game plan, he added, and prepare to either take public transit or be ready for major detours to get around this closure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading for what to know about the I-80 closure and how it could affect your weekend. (And if you know someone heading to San Francisco International Airport by car this weekend to catch a flight, send this to them too.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#bay-bridge\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What part of I-80 will be closed this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All lanes of westbound I-80 between Fifth and 15th streets will be closed Oct. 23-26. The last exit for motorists will be the Fifth Street off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1838\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105804\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-2000x1436.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-1536x1103.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-2048x1471.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A detour map details options to get back onto westbound Interstate-80 or to the Interstate-280 freeway during the Oct. 23-26 closures. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers will see California Highway Patrol vehicles blocking all lanes and redirecting traffic to the Harrison/Embarcadero and Fifth Street exits. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eastbound lanes on I-80 leading to the Bay Bridge and the East Bay will remain fully open.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When exactly will the I-80 closure start and end?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The westbound I-80 Bayshore Freeway closure is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and end at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The schedule is subject to weather and construction conditions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers should check Caltrans announcements for any changes before setting out — or adjust their plans to include public transit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the reason for the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This latest closure is part of what Caltrans calls “The \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-fab-4-rehabilitation-projects-toolkit\">Fab-4\u003c/a>” rehabilitation project series — four separate major repair projects impacting high-use freeways in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079174\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sign for eastbound I-80 and the Bay Bridge on April 8, 2026. Eastbound lanes are scheduled to close from 11 p.m. April 17 to 6 a.m. April 20 for planned construction work, with detours in place during the closure. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crews will be adding a polyester overlay on top of the roadway and bridge decks that are constantly driven over, “to make sure that they’re resilient for the next 40 years,” said Caltrans’ Quintana. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"bay-bridge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans warned that both decks of the Bay Bridge in and out of the city will have “massive traffic delays,” as drivers adjust their routes and use alternate streets and freeways. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quintana said drivers can expect 20-30 minute delays — at the very least. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The extent of any backups will depend on traffic volumes, the timing of trips and how many motorists follow recommended detours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrwEjm4XA9g\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those approaching the city of San Francisco and hoping to head south or east, your main options include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Highway 101:\u003c/strong> Take the Fifth Street exit and continue on Harrison Street. That will put you on a straight shot to 10th Street, where you can continue to the southbound 101 on-ramp.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Van Ness Avenue:\u003c/strong> Continue on Harrison Street and turn right onto Ninth Street. Then, turn left onto Hayes Street and then right onto Van Ness Avenue heading northbound. You can also continue past Van Ness Avenue onto U.S. 101 South by turning left onto Gough Street, right onto Fell Street and left onto Octavia Boulevard.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach I-280:\u003c/strong> Drive along Harrison Street, take a left onto Sixth Street and then continue south to the I-280 on-ramp. \u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those with extra time on their hands can try alternative routes across the Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo or Dumbarton bridges. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But travelers who can avoid driving may be able to bypass the bottlenecks by using regional public transit.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who will be most affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roughly 250,000 cars cross the Bay Bridge daily, Quintana said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While he emphasized that \u003cem>everyone\u003c/em> driving into San Francisco will run into detours and heavy traffic, the following travelers will likely be most affected:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>People heading across the Bay Bridge to and from the East Bay\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Travelers heading south to SFO Airport.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the westbound I-80 closure will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, the earliest commuters traveling on the Bay Bridge and through the city that morning could find themselves affected by the final hours of the closure.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will public transit be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert Lyles, spokesperson for AC Transit, said weekend transbay bus lines are expected to operate on their regular schedules.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104558\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An AC Transit bus arrives at the Temporary Transbay Terminal in San Francisco, California, on Dec. 12, 2018. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We closely monitor daily roadway conditions and any potential impacts on service delivery. Should weekend construction affect our bus network, we will use our established channels to broadly keep riders informed of any changes or disruptions,” Lyles said in an email. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quintana said he expects transit agencies to see a boost in ridership, as they did in the spring when eastbound I-80 was closed for similar repairs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Michael Roccaforte, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said parking control officers will assist with traffic control to keep the surface streets moving safely.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“For people heading to Chase Center to watch the Valkyries in the WNBA finals and other events during the closure period, we encourage them to take Muni and plan ahead,” Roccaforte said in an email. “The T Third makes for an easy connection between Powell BART and Chase Center with a trip that’s now up to 14% faster thanks to the \u003ca href=\"https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A4C7CERPDmIOVRZPUNfG9s766Qv?domain=sfmta.com\">T Third Improvements\u003c/a> project. And a ticket to any Chase Center event covers your Muni fare for the full day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public events are happening in the Bay Area that weekend that could be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There will be multiple events taking place at Chase Center and throughout the city this weekend that could be affected by the closure, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Golden State Warriors home opener:\u003c/strong> The Dubs will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center at 7 p.m. on Friday. \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>The Valkyries Official Finals Watch Parties:\u003c/strong> Ballhalla will turn up in violet at Chase Center for all WNBA Finals away games, with Game 4 of the series starting Saturday at 10 a.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Doja Cat:\u003c/strong> The quirked-up rapper and R&B singer will perform at Chase Center Sunday at 7:30 p.m. \u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans driving to Mission Bay should check traffic and parking conditions before leaving — or consider public transit.\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/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Players enter the court for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside of Chase Center, attendees of other events in the city may want to take heed of the closures, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lower Polk Live! street festival:\u003c/strong> A free celebration of music, art and community returns to Polk Street with DJ sets and local bands.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lit Crawl 2026:\u003c/strong> The world’s largest literary pub crawl through San Francisco’s Mission District caps off the annual Lit Quake Festival. \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Early Halloween events:\u003c/strong> Spooky events are planned throughout the Bay Area this weekend with haunted fun and festivities.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is this closure taking place over this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quintana said the weekend was carefully chosen with local partners to minimize disruptions and avoid major events. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Construction is also needed, he said, ahead of a heavy storm season incoming according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105518/this-years-powerful-el-nino-may-preview-californias-climate-future\">record-breaking El Niño\u003c/a> predictions. Crews helped install a new drainage system on 101, and roads have been smoothed and improved across the 101 corridor.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re just asking folks, again, to have a game plan, work with us and be patient,” Quintana said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finally, what’s next in terms of San Francisco road closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fourth and final weekend closure to complete the remaining southbound 101 Bayshore Freeway project is \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation\">scheduled\u003c/a> for Friday, Nov. 6 to Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers should avoid driving southbound 101 due to heavy delays and use I-280 as an alternative route. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s Joni Binder contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Drivers heading into San Francisco from the Bay Bridge over the weekend are likely to run into massive traffic delays — due to yet \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\">another\u003c/a> round of closures and ongoing roadwork.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Drivers heading into San Francisco from the Bay Bridge over the weekend are likely to run into massive traffic delays — due to yet \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\">another\u003c/a> round of closures and ongoing roadwork.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Starting Friday at 11 p.m., Caltrans is shutting down all westbound lanes of Interstate 80, also known as the Bayshore Freeway, from Fifth to 15th streets.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Starting Friday at 11 p.m., Caltrans is shutting down all westbound lanes of Interstate 80, also known as the Bayshore Freeway, from Fifth to 15th streets.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The road won’t open until Monday at 6 a.m.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The road won’t open until Monday at 6 a.m.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The 55-hour closure is the latest in a series of road repair and reconstruction that has swept major arteries in San Francisco, including Interstate 280, U.S. Route 101 and 19th Avenue on the city’s west side, which is also State Route 1. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The 55-hour closure is the latest in a series of road repair and reconstruction that has swept major arteries in San Francisco, including Interstate 280, U.S. Route 101 and 19th Avenue on the city’s west side, which is also State Route 1. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/041826-I80Closure-JY-10-scaled-e1776797059766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12080556\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans project manager Rob Kobal walks along I-80 eastbound in San Francisco on Saturday, April 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/041826-I80Closure-JY-10-scaled-e1776797059766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12080556\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans project manager Rob Kobal walks along I-80 eastbound in San Francisco on Saturday, April 18, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Juliana Yamada for KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We understand there’s never a good time to close a major freeway,” Caltrans spokesperson Pedro Quintana said. “We understand that, but we need to get this work done.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We understand there’s never a good time to close a major freeway,” Caltrans spokesperson Pedro Quintana said. “We understand that, but we need to get this work done.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>People traveling through the city this weekend should have a game plan, he added, and prepare to either take public transit or be ready for major detours to get around this closure. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>People traveling through the city this weekend should have a game plan, he added, and prepare to either take public transit or be ready for major detours to get around this closure. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the I-80 closure and how it could affect your weekend. (And if you know someone heading to San Francisco International Airport by car this weekend to catch a flight, send this to them too.)\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Keep reading for what to know about the I-80 closure and how it could affect your weekend. (And if you know someone heading to San Francisco International Airport by car this weekend to catch a flight, send this to them too.)\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#bay-bridge\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#bay-bridge\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>All lanes of westbound I-80 between Fifth and 15th streets will be closed Oct. 23-26. The last exit for motorists will be the Fifth Street off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>All lanes of westbound I-80 between Fifth and 15th streets will be closed Oct. 23-26. The last exit for motorists will be the Fifth Street off-ramp. \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/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105804\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-2000x1436.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-1536x1103.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-2048x1471.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A detour map details options to get back onto westbound Interstate-80 or to the Interstate-280 freeway during the Oct. 23-26 closures. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\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/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105804\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A detour map details options to get back onto westbound Interstate-80 or to the Interstate-280 freeway during the Oct. 23-26 closures. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Drivers will see California Highway Patrol vehicles blocking all lanes and redirecting traffic to the Harrison/Embarcadero and Fifth Street exits. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Drivers will see California Highway Patrol vehicles blocking all lanes and redirecting traffic to the Harrison/Embarcadero and Fifth Street exits. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Eastbound lanes on I-80 leading to the Bay Bridge and the East Bay will remain fully open.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Eastbound lanes on I-80 leading to the Bay Bridge and the East Bay will remain fully open.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "When exactly will the I-80 closure start and end?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When exactly will the I-80 closure start and end?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When exactly will the I-80 closure start and end?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The westbound I-80 Bayshore Freeway closure is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and end at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The westbound I-80 Bayshore Freeway closure is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and end at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The schedule is subject to weather and construction conditions. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The schedule is subject to weather and construction conditions. \u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/paragraph",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Drivers should check Caltrans announcements for any changes before setting out — or adjust their plans to include public transit. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Drivers should check Caltrans announcements for any changes before setting out — or adjust their plans to include public transit. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What’s the reason for the I-80 closure?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the reason for the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the reason for the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>This latest closure is part of what Caltrans calls “The \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-fab-4-rehabilitation-projects-toolkit\">Fab-4\u003c/a>” rehabilitation project series — four separate major repair projects impacting high-use freeways in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>This latest closure is part of what Caltrans calls “The \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-fab-4-rehabilitation-projects-toolkit\">Fab-4\u003c/a>” rehabilitation project series — four separate major repair projects impacting high-use freeways in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_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/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079174\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-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\">A sign for eastbound I-80 and the Bay Bridge on April 8, 2026. Eastbound lanes are scheduled to close from 11 p.m. April 17 to 6 a.m. April 20 for planned construction work, with detours in place during the closure.\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/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079174\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sign for eastbound I-80 and the Bay Bridge on April 8, 2026. Eastbound lanes are scheduled to close from 11 p.m. April 17 to 6 a.m. April 20 for planned construction work, with detours in place during the closure.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Crews will be adding a polyester overlay on top of the roadway and bridge decks that are constantly driven over, “to make sure that they’re resilient for the next 40 years,” said Caltrans’ Quintana. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Crews will be adding a polyester overlay on top of the roadway and bridge decks that are constantly driven over, “to make sure that they’re resilient for the next 40 years,” said Caltrans’ Quintana. \u003c/p>\n"
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{
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"attrs": {
"anchor": "bay-bridge",
"text": "How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 id=\"bay-bridge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 id=\"bay-bridge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Caltrans warned that both decks of the Bay Bridge in and out of the city will have “massive traffic delays,” as drivers adjust their routes and use alternate streets and freeways. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Caltrans warned that both decks of the Bay Bridge in and out of the city will have “massive traffic delays,” as drivers adjust their routes and use alternate streets and freeways. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quintana said drivers can expect 20-30 minute delays — at the very least. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Quintana said drivers can expect 20-30 minute delays — at the very least. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The extent of any backups will depend on traffic volumes, the timing of trips and how many motorists follow recommended detours.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>The extent of any backups will depend on traffic volumes, the timing of trips and how many motorists follow recommended detours.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the I-80 closure?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrwEjm4XA9g\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrwEjm4XA9g\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For those approaching the city of San Francisco and hoping to head south or east, your main options include:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For those approaching the city of San Francisco and hoping to head south or east, your main options include:\u003c/p>\n"
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"To reach Highway 101: Take the Fifth Street exit and continue on Harrison Street. That will put you on a straight shot to 10th Street, where you can continue to the southbound 101 on-ramp.",
"To reach Van Ness Avenue: Continue on Harrison Street and turn right onto Ninth Street. Then, turn left onto Hayes Street and then right onto Van Ness Avenue heading northbound. You can also continue past Van Ness Avenue onto U.S. 101 South by turning left onto Gough Street, right onto Fell Street and left onto Octavia Boulevard.",
"To reach I-280: Drive along Harrison Street, take a left onto Sixth Street and then continue south to the I-280 on-ramp. "
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null,
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null,
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null,
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Highway 101:\u003c/strong> Take the Fifth Street exit and continue on Harrison Street. That will put you on a straight shot to 10th Street, where you can continue to the southbound 101 on-ramp.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Highway 101:\u003c/strong> Take the Fifth Street exit and continue on Harrison Street. That will put you on a straight shot to 10th Street, where you can continue to the southbound 101 on-ramp.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Van Ness Avenue:\u003c/strong> Continue on Harrison Street and turn right onto Ninth Street. Then, turn left onto Hayes Street and then right onto Van Ness Avenue heading northbound. You can also continue past Van Ness Avenue onto U.S. 101 South by turning left onto Gough Street, right onto Fell Street and left onto Octavia Boulevard.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Van Ness Avenue:\u003c/strong> Continue on Harrison Street and turn right onto Ninth Street. Then, turn left onto Hayes Street and then right onto Van Ness Avenue heading northbound. You can also continue past Van Ness Avenue onto U.S. 101 South by turning left onto Gough Street, right onto Fell Street and left onto Octavia Boulevard.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach I-280:\u003c/strong> Drive along Harrison Street, take a left onto Sixth Street and then continue south to the I-280 on-ramp. \u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach I-280:\u003c/strong> Drive along Harrison Street, take a left onto Sixth Street and then continue south to the I-280 on-ramp. \u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Those with extra time on their hands can try alternative routes across the Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo or Dumbarton bridges. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Those with extra time on their hands can try alternative routes across the Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo or Dumbarton bridges. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But travelers who can avoid driving may be able to bypass the bottlenecks by using regional public transit.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But travelers who can avoid driving may be able to bypass the bottlenecks by using regional public transit.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Who will be most affected by the I-80 closure?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who will be most affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Roughly 250,000 cars cross the Bay Bridge daily, Quintana said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Roughly 250,000 cars cross the Bay Bridge daily, Quintana said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While he emphasized that \u003cem>everyone\u003c/em> driving into San Francisco will run into detours and heavy traffic, the following travelers will likely be most affected:\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>While he emphasized that \u003cem>everyone\u003c/em> driving into San Francisco will run into detours and heavy traffic, the following travelers will likely be most affected:\u003c/p>\n"
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"People heading across the Bay Bridge to and from the East Bay",
"Travelers heading south to SFO Airport."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\n\u003c/ul>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>People heading across the Bay Bridge to and from the East Bay\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>People heading across the Bay Bridge to and from the East Bay\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>Travelers heading south to SFO Airport.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>Travelers heading south to SFO Airport.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Since the westbound I-80 closure will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, the earliest commuters traveling on the Bay Bridge and through the city that morning could find themselves affected by the final hours of the closure.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Since the westbound I-80 closure will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, the earliest commuters traveling on the Bay Bridge and through the city that morning could find themselves affected by the final hours of the closure.\u003c/p>\n"
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{
"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Will public transit be affected by the I-80 closure?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will public transit be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will public transit be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Robert Lyles, spokesperson for AC Transit, said weekend transbay bus lines are expected to operate on their regular schedules.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Robert Lyles, spokesperson for AC Transit, said weekend transbay bus lines are expected to operate on their regular schedules.\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/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104558\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An AC Transit bus arrives at the Temporary Transbay Terminal in San Francisco, California, on Dec. 12, 2018. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We closely monitor daily roadway conditions and any potential impacts on service delivery. Should weekend construction affect our bus network, we will use our established channels to broadly keep riders informed of any changes or disruptions,” Lyles said in an email. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We closely monitor daily roadway conditions and any potential impacts on service delivery. Should weekend construction affect our bus network, we will use our established channels to broadly keep riders informed of any changes or disruptions,” Lyles said in an email. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quintana said he expects transit agencies to see a boost in ridership, as they did in the spring when eastbound I-80 was closed for similar repairs. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Quintana said he expects transit agencies to see a boost in ridership, as they did in the spring when eastbound I-80 was closed for similar repairs. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Michael Roccaforte, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said parking control officers will assist with traffic control to keep the surface streets moving safely.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Michael Roccaforte, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said parking control officers will assist with traffic control to keep the surface streets moving safely.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“For people heading to Chase Center to watch the Valkyries in the WNBA finals and other events during the closure period, we encourage them to take Muni and plan ahead,” Roccaforte said in an email. “The T Third makes for an easy connection between Powell BART and Chase Center with a trip that’s now up to 14% faster thanks to the \u003ca href=\"https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A4C7CERPDmIOVRZPUNfG9s766Qv?domain=sfmta.com\">T Third Improvements\u003c/a> project. And a ticket to any Chase Center event covers your Muni fare for the full day.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“For people heading to Chase Center to watch the Valkyries in the WNBA finals and other events during the closure period, we encourage them to take Muni and plan ahead,” Roccaforte said in an email. “The T Third makes for an easy connection between Powell BART and Chase Center with a trip that’s now up to 14% faster thanks to the \u003ca href=\"https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A4C7CERPDmIOVRZPUNfG9s766Qv?domain=sfmta.com\">T Third Improvements\u003c/a> project. And a ticket to any Chase Center event covers your Muni fare for the full day.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"text": "What public events are happening in the Bay Area that weekend that could be affected by the I-80 closure?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public events are happening in the Bay Area that weekend that could be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>There will be multiple events taking place at Chase Center and throughout the city this weekend that could be affected by the closure, including: \u003c/p>\n",
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"Golden State Warriors home opener: The Dubs will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center at 7 p.m. on Friday. ",
"The Valkyries Official Finals Watch Parties: Ballhalla will turn up in violet at Chase Center for all WNBA Finals away games, with Game 4 of the series starting Saturday at 10 a.m.",
"Doja Cat: The quirked-up rapper and R&B singer will perform at Chase Center Sunday at 7:30 p.m. "
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Golden State Warriors home opener:\u003c/strong> The Dubs will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center at 7 p.m. on Friday. \u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Golden State Warriors home opener:\u003c/strong> The Dubs will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center at 7 p.m. on Friday. \u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>The Valkyries Official Finals Watch Parties:\u003c/strong> Ballhalla will turn up in violet at Chase Center for all WNBA Finals away games, with Game 4 of the series starting Saturday at 10 a.m.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>The Valkyries Official Finals Watch Parties:\u003c/strong> Ballhalla will turn up in violet at Chase Center for all WNBA Finals away games, with Game 4 of the series starting Saturday at 10 a.m.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Doja Cat:\u003c/strong> The quirked-up rapper and R&B singer will perform at Chase Center Sunday at 7:30 p.m. \u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Doja Cat:\u003c/strong> The quirked-up rapper and R&B singer will perform at Chase Center Sunday at 7:30 p.m. \u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fans driving to Mission Bay should check traffic and parking conditions before leaving — or consider public transit.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fans driving to Mission Bay should check traffic and parking conditions before leaving — or consider public transit.\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/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Players enter the court for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 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/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105224\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Players enter the court for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Outside of Chase Center, attendees of other events in the city may want to take heed of the closures, including: \u003c/p>\n",
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"Lower Polk Live! street festival: A free celebration of music, art and community returns to Polk Street with DJ sets and local bands.",
"Lit Crawl 2026: The world’s largest literary pub crawl through San Francisco’s Mission District caps off the annual Lit Quake Festival. ",
"Early Halloween events: Spooky events are planned throughout the Bay Area this weekend with haunted fun and festivities."
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lower Polk Live! street festival:\u003c/strong> A free celebration of music, art and community returns to Polk Street with DJ sets and local bands.\u003c/li>\n",
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"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lower Polk Live! street festival:\u003c/strong> A free celebration of music, art and community returns to Polk Street with DJ sets and local bands.\u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lit Crawl 2026:\u003c/strong> The world’s largest literary pub crawl through San Francisco’s Mission District caps off the annual Lit Quake Festival. \u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lit Crawl 2026:\u003c/strong> The world’s largest literary pub crawl through San Francisco’s Mission District caps off the annual Lit Quake Festival. \u003c/li>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Early Halloween events:\u003c/strong> Spooky events are planned throughout the Bay Area this weekend with haunted fun and festivities.\u003c/li>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Early Halloween events:\u003c/strong> Spooky events are planned throughout the Bay Area this weekend with haunted fun and festivities.\u003c/li>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Why is this closure taking place over this weekend?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is this closure taking place over this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is this closure taking place over this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Quintana said the weekend was carefully chosen with local partners to minimize disruptions and avoid major events. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Quintana said the weekend was carefully chosen with local partners to minimize disruptions and avoid major events. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Construction is also needed, he said, ahead of a heavy storm season incoming according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105518/this-years-powerful-el-nino-may-preview-californias-climate-future\">record-breaking El Niño\u003c/a> predictions. Crews helped install a new drainage system on 101, and roads have been smoothed and improved across the 101 corridor.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Construction is also needed, he said, ahead of a heavy storm season incoming according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105518/this-years-powerful-el-nino-may-preview-californias-climate-future\">record-breaking El Niño\u003c/a> predictions. Crews helped install a new drainage system on 101, and roads have been smoothed and improved across the 101 corridor.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“We’re just asking folks, again, to have a game plan, work with us and be patient,” Quintana said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“We’re just asking folks, again, to have a game plan, work with us and be patient,” Quintana said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"blockName": "core/heading",
"attrs": {
"text": "Finally, what’s next in terms of San Francisco road closures?",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finally, what’s next in terms of San Francisco road closures?\u003c/h2>\n",
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"\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finally, what’s next in terms of San Francisco road closures?\u003c/h2>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A fourth and final weekend closure to complete the remaining southbound 101 Bayshore Freeway project is \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation\">scheduled\u003c/a> for Friday, Nov. 6 to Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A fourth and final weekend closure to complete the remaining southbound 101 Bayshore Freeway project is \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation\">scheduled\u003c/a> for Friday, Nov. 6 to Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Drivers should avoid driving southbound 101 due to heavy delays and use I-280 as an alternative route. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Drivers should avoid driving southbound 101 due to heavy delays and use I-280 as an alternative route. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Joni Binder contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>KQED’s Joni Binder contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "Caltrans is closing all westbound lanes on a stretch of Interstate 80, majorly impacting Bay Bridge traffic. Here’s how to prepare.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers heading into San Francisco from the Bay Bridge over the weekend are likely to run into massive traffic delays — due to yet \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\">another\u003c/a> round of closures and ongoing roadwork.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Starting Friday at 11 p.m., Caltrans is shutting down all westbound lanes of Interstate 80, also known as the Bayshore Freeway, from Fifth to 15th streets.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The road won’t open until Monday at 6 a.m.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 55-hour closure is the latest in a series of road repair and reconstruction that has swept major arteries in San Francisco, including Interstate 280, U.S. Route 101 and 19th Avenue on the city’s west side, which is also State Route 1. \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/10/2026/04/041826-I80Closure-JY-10-scaled-e1776797059766.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12080556\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Caltrans project manager Rob Kobal walks along I-80 eastbound in San Francisco on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Juliana Yamada for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We understand there’s never a good time to close a major freeway,” Caltrans spokesperson Pedro Quintana said. “We understand that, but we need to get this work done.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">People traveling through the city this weekend should have a game plan, he added, and prepare to either take public transit or be ready for major detours to get around this closure. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Keep reading for what to know about the I-80 closure and how it could affect your weekend. (And if you know someone heading to San Francisco International Airport by car this weekend to catch a flight, send this to them too.)\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Jump straight to: \u003ca href=\"#bay-bridge\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/a>\u003c/strong>\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What part of I-80 will be closed this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">All lanes of westbound I-80 between Fifth and 15th streets will be closed Oct. 23-26. The last exit for motorists will be the Fifth Street off-ramp. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1838\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105804\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-2000x1436.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-160x115.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-1536x1103.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/2026-10-20-corrected-fab4-wb-i80-12-hr-detour-map-4ed89c31-2048x1471.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A detour map details options to get back onto westbound Interstate-80 or to the Interstate-280 freeway during the Oct. 23-26 closures. (Courtesy of Caltrans)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers will see California Highway Patrol vehicles blocking all lanes and redirecting traffic to the Harrison/Embarcadero and Fifth Street exits. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Eastbound lanes on I-80 leading to the Bay Bridge and the East Bay will remain fully open.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When exactly will the I-80 closure start and end?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The westbound I-80 Bayshore Freeway closure is scheduled to begin at 11 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23 and end at 6 a.m. Monday, Oct. 26.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The schedule is subject to weather and construction conditions. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers should check Caltrans announcements for any changes before setting out — or adjust their plans to include public transit. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What’s the reason for the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This latest closure is part of what Caltrans calls “The \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation/d4-fab-4-rehabilitation-projects-toolkit\">Fab-4\u003c/a>” rehabilitation project series — four separate major repair projects impacting high-use freeways in San Francisco. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12079174\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/260408-I80Closure-01-BL_qed-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">A sign for eastbound I-80 and the Bay Bridge on April 8, 2026. Eastbound lanes are scheduled to close from 11 p.m. April 17 to 6 a.m. April 20 for planned construction work, with detours in place during the closure. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crews will be adding a polyester overlay on top of the roadway and bridge decks that are constantly driven over, “to make sure that they’re resilient for the next 40 years,” said Caltrans’ Quintana. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 id=\"bay-bridge\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much could the Bay Bridge be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Caltrans warned that both decks of the Bay Bridge in and out of the city will have “massive traffic delays,” as drivers adjust their routes and use alternate streets and freeways. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quintana said drivers can expect 20-30 minute delays — at the very least. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The extent of any backups will depend on traffic volumes, the timing of trips and how many motorists follow recommended detours.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What detours and alternative routes are recommended during the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/hrwEjm4XA9g'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/hrwEjm4XA9g'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For those approaching the city of San Francisco and hoping to head south or east, your main options include:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Highway 101:\u003c/strong> Take the Fifth Street exit and continue on Harrison Street. That will put you on a straight shot to 10th Street, where you can continue to the southbound 101 on-ramp.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach Van Ness Avenue:\u003c/strong> Continue on Harrison Street and turn right onto Ninth Street. Then, turn left onto Hayes Street and then right onto Van Ness Avenue heading northbound. You can also continue past Van Ness Avenue onto U.S. 101 South by turning left onto Gough Street, right onto Fell Street and left onto Octavia Boulevard.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>To reach I-280:\u003c/strong> Drive along Harrison Street, take a left onto Sixth Street and then continue south to the I-280 on-ramp. \u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Those with extra time on their hands can try alternative routes across the Richmond-San Rafael, San Mateo or Dumbarton bridges. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But travelers who can avoid driving may be able to bypass the bottlenecks by using regional public transit.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who will be most affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Roughly 250,000 cars cross the Bay Bridge daily, Quintana said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While he emphasized that \u003cem>everyone\u003c/em> driving into San Francisco will run into detours and heavy traffic, the following travelers will likely be most affected:\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>People heading across the Bay Bridge to and from the East Bay\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>Travelers heading south to SFO Airport.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the westbound I-80 closure will last until 6 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 26, the earliest commuters traveling on the Bay Bridge and through the city that morning could find themselves affected by the final hours of the closure.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will public transit be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Robert Lyles, spokesperson for AC Transit, said weekend transbay bus lines are expected to operate on their regular schedules.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1349\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12104558\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2-160x108.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/ACTransitGetty2-5c1d86c2-1536x1036.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An AC Transit bus arrives at the Temporary Transbay Terminal in San Francisco, California, on Dec. 12, 2018. (Paul Chinn/The San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We closely monitor daily roadway conditions and any potential impacts on service delivery. Should weekend construction affect our bus network, we will use our established channels to broadly keep riders informed of any changes or disruptions,” Lyles said in an email. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quintana said he expects transit agencies to see a boost in ridership, as they did in the spring when eastbound I-80 was closed for similar repairs. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Michael Roccaforte, a spokesperson for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, said parking control officers will assist with traffic control to keep the surface streets moving safely.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“For people heading to Chase Center to watch the Valkyries in the WNBA finals and other events during the closure period, we encourage them to take Muni and plan ahead,” Roccaforte said in an email. “The T Third makes for an easy connection between Powell BART and Chase Center with a trip that’s now up to 14% faster thanks to the \u003ca href=\"https://url.us.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A4C7CERPDmIOVRZPUNfG9s766Qv?domain=sfmta.com\">T Third Improvements\u003c/a> project. And a ticket to any Chase Center event covers your Muni fare for the full day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What public events are happening in the Bay Area that weekend that could be affected by the I-80 closure?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There will be multiple events taking place at Chase Center and throughout the city this weekend that could be affected by the closure, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Golden State Warriors home opener:\u003c/strong> The Dubs will face off against the Memphis Grizzlies at Chase Center at 7 p.m. on Friday. \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>The Valkyries Official Finals Watch Parties:\u003c/strong> Ballhalla will turn up in violet at Chase Center for all WNBA Finals away games, with Game 4 of the series starting Saturday at 10 a.m.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Doja Cat:\u003c/strong> The quirked-up rapper and R&B singer will perform at Chase Center Sunday at 7:30 p.m. \u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fans driving to Mission Bay should check traffic and parking conditions before leaving — or consider public transit.\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/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105224\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/261019-ValksGame1-06-BL-c11f2515-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Players enter the court for Game 2 of the WNBA Finals between the Golden State Valkyries and the Atlanta Dream at Chase Center in San Francisco on Oct. 19, 2026. (Beth LaBerge/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outside of Chase Center, attendees of other events in the city may want to take heed of the closures, including: \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lower Polk Live! street festival:\u003c/strong> A free celebration of music, art and community returns to Polk Street with DJ sets and local bands.\u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Lit Crawl 2026:\u003c/strong> The world’s largest literary pub crawl through San Francisco’s Mission District caps off the annual Lit Quake Festival. \u003c/li>\n\n\n\n\u003cli>\u003cstrong>Early Halloween events:\u003c/strong> Spooky events are planned throughout the Bay Area this weekend with haunted fun and festivities.\u003c/li>\n\u003c/ul>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is this closure taking place over this weekend?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Quintana said the weekend was carefully chosen with local partners to minimize disruptions and avoid major events. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Construction is also needed, he said, ahead of a heavy storm season incoming according to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12105518/this-years-powerful-el-nino-may-preview-californias-climate-future\">record-breaking El Niño\u003c/a> predictions. Crews helped install a new drainage system on 101, and roads have been smoothed and improved across the 101 corridor.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“We’re just asking folks, again, to have a game plan, work with us and be patient,” Quintana said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Finally, what’s next in terms of San Francisco road closures?\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A fourth and final weekend closure to complete the remaining southbound 101 Bayshore Freeway project is \u003ca href=\"https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-4/d4-projects/d4-san-francisco-freeway-and-road-rehabilitation\">scheduled\u003c/a> for Friday, Nov. 6 to Monday, Nov. 9. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Drivers should avoid driving southbound 101 due to heavy delays and use I-280 as an alternative route. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u003cem>KQED’s Joni Binder contributed to this report.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "smart-awards-190-million-contract-for-healdsburg-extension-seeks-input-on-new-station",
"title": "SMART Awards $190 Million Contract for Healdsburg Extension, Seeks Input on New Station",
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"headTitle": "SMART Awards $190 Million Contract for Healdsburg Extension, Seeks Input on New Station | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11976600/is-the-smart-train-easing-highway-101-traffic-in-marin-and-sonoma\">Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Board of Directors\u003c/a> approved a $190.5 million contract on Wednesday to begin building nearly five miles of track from Windsor to Healdsburg. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contract is an important milestone for the agency, which seeks to ultimately expand its network from its current terminus in Windsor through Healdsburg and further north to the towns of Geyserville and Cloverdale, said Julia Gonzalez, spokesperson for SMART.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ This creates construction jobs, it strengthens our regional economy, and it’s building a transportation infrastructure that is going to benefit generations to come,” Gonzalez 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/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085900\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Passengers wait for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train at the Marin County Civic Center stop in San Rafael on June 1, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Board awarded the contract to the joint venture Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog, after the California Transportation Commission last week allocated $162 million in state grants for the extension. Other funding comes from federal, local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/sites/default/files/Documents/11%20CV-DB-25-001%20PhII%20Amend%202%20Board%20Presentation.pdf\">sources\u003c/a>, and construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contract includes refurbishing and restoring the derelict segment of track between the two towns, and adding modern technology, concrete railroad ties and a train control system, Gonzalez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the contract, Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog will also procure and fabricate two large steel railroad bridges — a truss-style bridge over the Russian River on the way into Healdsburg and a girder-style bridge over Old Redwood Highway.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bridges will accommodate bike and pedestrian traffic as well, adding to SMART’s network of multi-use paths.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The agency is currently collecting public \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/healdsburgstationlocation\">feedback\u003c/a> on where exactly the Healdsburg station should be located. SMART is presenting the public with two options: a downtown location or the historic depot area near Front Street.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The agency will collect feedback through November 30, after which the SMART Board of Directors is expected to vote on the station’s final location in December. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gonzalez said Healdsburg has not seen rail service for 70 years, and that the agency is “proud” to be restoring it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SMART hit an all-time record of more than 1.1 million passengers in fiscal year 2025, a 32% increase from the year prior. The agency expects rail service to begin in Healdsburg by late 2028, with an estimated project completion cost of $269 million.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11976600/is-the-smart-train-easing-highway-101-traffic-in-marin-and-sonoma\">Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Board of Directors\u003c/a> approved a $190.5 million contract on Wednesday to begin building nearly five miles of track from Windsor to Healdsburg. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11976600/is-the-smart-train-easing-highway-101-traffic-in-marin-and-sonoma\">Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Board of Directors\u003c/a> approved a $190.5 million contract on Wednesday to begin building nearly five miles of track from Windsor to Healdsburg. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The contract is an important milestone for the agency, which seeks to ultimately expand its network from its current terminus in Windsor through Healdsburg and further north to the towns of Geyserville and Cloverdale, said Julia Gonzalez, spokesperson for SMART.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The contract is an important milestone for the agency, which seeks to ultimately expand its network from its current terminus in Windsor through Healdsburg and further north to the towns of Geyserville and Cloverdale, said Julia Gonzalez, spokesperson for SMART.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ This creates construction jobs, it strengthens our regional economy, and it’s building a transportation infrastructure that is going to benefit generations to come,” Gonzalez said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ This creates construction jobs, it strengthens our regional economy, and it’s building a transportation infrastructure that is going to benefit generations to come,” Gonzalez said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The Board awarded the contract to the joint venture Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog, after the California Transportation Commission last week allocated $162 million in state grants for the extension. Other funding comes from federal, local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/sites/default/files/Documents/11%20CV-DB-25-001%20PhII%20Amend%202%20Board%20Presentation.pdf\">sources\u003c/a>, and construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The contract includes refurbishing and restoring the derelict segment of track between the two towns, and adding modern technology, concrete railroad ties and a train control system, Gonzalez said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Under the contract, Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog will also procure and fabricate two large steel railroad bridges — a truss-style bridge over the Russian River on the way into Healdsburg and a girder-style bridge over Old Redwood Highway.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The bridges will accommodate bike and pedestrian traffic as well, adding to SMART’s network of multi-use paths.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The agency is currently collecting public \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/healdsburgstationlocation\">feedback\u003c/a> on where exactly the Healdsburg station should be located. SMART is presenting the public with two options: a downtown location or the historic depot area near Front Street.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The agency will collect feedback through November 30, after which the SMART Board of Directors is expected to vote on the station’s final location in December. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gonzalez said Healdsburg has not seen rail service for 70 years, and that the agency is “proud” to be restoring it. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>SMART hit an all-time record of more than 1.1 million passengers in fiscal year 2025, a 32% increase from the year prior. The agency expects rail service to begin in Healdsburg by late 2028, with an estimated project completion cost of $269 million.\u003c/p>\n",
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"excerpt": "The North Bay passenger rail line expects Healdsburg service to begin in late 2028. Geyserville and Cloverdale are next.",
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"title": "SMART Awards $190 Million Contract for Healdsburg Extension, Seeks Input on New Station | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/11976600/is-the-smart-train-easing-highway-101-traffic-in-marin-and-sonoma\">Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit Board of Directors\u003c/a> approved a $190.5 million contract on Wednesday to begin building nearly five miles of track from Windsor to Healdsburg. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contract is an important milestone for the agency, which seeks to ultimately expand its network from its current terminus in Windsor through Healdsburg and further north to the towns of Geyserville and Cloverdale, said Julia Gonzalez, spokesperson for SMART.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">“ This creates construction jobs, it strengthens our regional economy, and it’s building a transportation infrastructure that is going to benefit generations to come,” Gonzalez 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/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12085900\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/06/20260601_SMARTFILE_GC-13-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Passengers wait for the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train at the Marin County Civic Center stop in San Rafael on June 1, 2026. (Gina Castro for KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Board awarded the contract to the joint venture Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog, after the California Transportation Commission last week allocated $162 million in state grants for the extension. Other funding comes from federal, local and regional \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/sites/default/files/Documents/11%20CV-DB-25-001%20PhII%20Amend%202%20Board%20Presentation.pdf\">sources\u003c/a>, and construction is expected to begin in spring 2027. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The contract includes refurbishing and restoring the derelict segment of track between the two towns, and adding modern technology, concrete railroad ties and a train control system, Gonzalez said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the contract, Stacy and Witbeck/Herzog will also procure and fabricate two large steel railroad bridges — a truss-style bridge over the Russian River on the way into Healdsburg and a girder-style bridge over Old Redwood Highway.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The bridges will accommodate bike and pedestrian traffic as well, adding to SMART’s network of multi-use paths.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The agency is currently collecting public \u003ca href=\"https://www.sonomamarintrain.org/healdsburgstationlocation\">feedback\u003c/a> on where exactly the Healdsburg station should be located. SMART is presenting the public with two options: a downtown location or the historic depot area near Front Street.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The agency will collect feedback through November 30, after which the SMART Board of Directors is expected to vote on the station’s final location in December. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gonzalez said Healdsburg has not seen rail service for 70 years, and that the agency is “proud” to be restoring it. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">SMART hit an all-time record of more than 1.1 million passengers in fiscal year 2025, a 32% increase from the year prior. The agency expects rail service to begin in Healdsburg by late 2028, with an estimated project completion cost of $269 million.\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "port-of-oakland-truck-drivers-say-record-high-diesel-prices-are-killing-the-business",
"title": "Port of Oakland Truck Drivers Say Record-High Diesel Prices Are ‘Killing the Business’",
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"headTitle": "Port of Oakland Truck Drivers Say Record-High Diesel Prices Are ‘Killing the Business’ | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Danny Bui’s semi-truck, a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, is stocked with the essentials: a bed, a microwave, a refrigerator and a hearty supply of instant noodles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These comforts keep the 49-year-old father of four going during long days driving as a licensed motor carrier — the industry term for an independent contractor.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ I love the job. I love its independence. You want more money, you work hard,” Bui said in the expansive yard of PCC Logistics, the shipping company he works for at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/port-of-oakland\">Port of Oakland\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over the past six years, Bui, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 14, has relied on trucking to support his family in San José. But as the wars in Iran and Ukraine have driven diesel prices to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915463/record-setting-diesel-prices-put-pressure-on-bay-area-businesses-and-consumers\">record levels\u003c/a> — over $8 per gallon on average in California, up $3 more than a year ago — Bui and other truckers said they’re struggling to afford loan and insurance payments and meet the high costs of living in the Bay Area, from housing to groceries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bui said he pays double what he used to— around $1,400 — to fill up his 240-gallon tank. \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/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102801\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks pull oversized loads into the Port of Oakland where the loads are checked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sept. 28, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ Before, you make money. Now, you try to cover the cost. That’s how it works now,” he said. “ We just live day by day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PCC works with approximately 85 licensed motor carriers (among 800 at the port) and owns 10 company trucks. The company relies heavily on the licensed motor carriers — as opposed to drivers employed by the company — to cut down on costs, such as leasing and purchasing trucks and paying for fuel and insurance. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The company specializes in trucking meat and produce from the Central Valley to the Port of Oakland, where goods are loaded onto ships bound for Asia. This time of year, PCC distributes the Central Valley’s pomegranate and kiwi harvests, having wrapped up shipping honeydew melons out of the Fresno County city of Firebaugh, according to Steve Gardner, director of transportation for PCC.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the company’s independent truckers have become reluctant to make these long hauls because of high diesel prices, Gardner said. Diesel semi-trucks typically get around 7 miles to the gallon, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ They don’t want go that far because it costs money. They’re upset, and rightfully so,” he said. “ They’re complaining a lot more, and at some point it’s going to boil over.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gardner said he’s surprised that there hasn’t been a work stoppage or a protest, and for now, there are truckers willing to take on the work, as PCC currently charges its customers a 45% fuel surcharge — most of which goes to its independent truckers to help pay for the increased diesel prices.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Martin Ramirez, 59, of Oakland, who works for PCC as a licensed motor carrier, has been trucking for 34 years. He said 20 years ago, for every $1,000 he earned, he’d take home $750, after paying for fuel and insurance. But recently, he said fuel and insurance take the lion’s share: He now takes home $450 for every $1,000 he earns.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ We’re not saving any money like before,” Ramirez said. “We’re not taking any vacations or taking our kids on a trip. We’re just surviving.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The longer prices remain elevated, the less likely truckers will be able to absorb the financial losses, ultimately affecting the price and availability of everyday retail goods, said Severin Borenstein, a petroleum industry expert at UC Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ In the short run, truckers end up eating some of it, and retailers end up eating some of it. But gradually, over time, they can’t keep doing that, and you get less supply and the price goes up,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg\" alt=\"View of a freeway with cars and trucks.\" class=\"wp-image-11945323\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traffic on Interstate 880 toward Oakland jam-packed with cars and diesel trucks mid-afternoon on June 28, 2021. (Joyce Tsai/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s especially true for goods like produce, which is heavy relative to its value, so the shipping costs are significant, Borenstein said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if the wars were to end tomorrow, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/13/nx-s1-6000118/how-will-a-diesel-deal-with-russia-impact-the-u-s-market\">damage\u003c/a> done by missile and drone strikes to oil fields and refineries in Russia and the Middle East would take months to over a year to repair, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If I were a trucker, I would certainly not count on diesel prices getting back to pre-war levels any time in the next many months, possibly more than a year,” he said, referring to the start of the Iran war in late February 2026, when the state’s diesel prices were around $5 a gallon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fuel prices in California are typically higher than the rest of the country due to a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">number of factors\u003c/a>, namely taxes and the state’s emission reduction programs. The average price for a gallon of diesel in California is currently about $2 higher than the national average, according to \u003ca href=\"https://gasprices.aaa.com/\">AAA\u003c/a>.\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/10/2022/10/GettyImages-1396887368-scaled-e1792528283369.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11930567\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of a hydrogen fuel cell truck driving on a road. According to the California Air Resources Board, heavy-duty fossil-fuel trucks spew 70% of the state’s smog-forming gases and 80% of carcinogenic diesel pollutants. (Aranga87/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In August, the California Energy Commission approved a \u003ca href=\"https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2026-08/cec-approves-95-million-plan-expand-zev-infrastructure\">$95 million plan\u003c/a> to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure across the state, including heavy-duty kinds for port and freight trucking. Gov. Gavin Newsom said this investment is partly aimed at “breaking Big Oil’s grip on Californians’ wallets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Technology, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/margooge/2026/10/01/the-only-real-hedge-against-diesel-shock-is-an-electric-truck/?\">electric semi-trucks\u003c/a>, could help insulate truckers from volatility in the diesel market, but Gardner said those alternatives don’t yet have the infrastructure they need to be feasible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ You can put 1,000 electric trucks over here, but I don’t have any place to charge them,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For now, Bui has elected to only take short jobs, running loads between the port and nearby warehouses, to help minimize his exposure to high fuel costs. But he said it’s not a long-term solution. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ The diesel is killing the business,” Bui said. “ I would give it until the end of this year. If not, then I’ll have to find something else to do.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>These comforts keep the 49-year-old father of four going during long days driving as a licensed motor carrier — the industry term for an independent contractor.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ I love the job. I love its independence. You want more money, you work hard,” Bui said in the expansive yard of PCC Logistics, the shipping company he works for at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/port-of-oakland\">Port of Oakland\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Over the past six years, Bui, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 14, has relied on trucking to support his family in San José. But as the wars in Iran and Ukraine have driven diesel prices to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915463/record-setting-diesel-prices-put-pressure-on-bay-area-businesses-and-consumers\">record levels\u003c/a> — over $8 per gallon on average in California, up $3 more than a year ago — Bui and other truckers said they’re struggling to afford loan and insurance payments and meet the high costs of living in the Bay Area, from housing to groceries. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Over the past six years, Bui, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 14, has relied on trucking to support his family in San José. But as the wars in Iran and Ukraine have driven diesel prices to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915463/record-setting-diesel-prices-put-pressure-on-bay-area-businesses-and-consumers\">record levels\u003c/a> — over $8 per gallon on average in California, up $3 more than a year ago — Bui and other truckers said they’re struggling to afford loan and insurance payments and meet the high costs of living in the Bay Area, from housing to groceries. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Bui said he pays double what he used to— around $1,400 — to fill up his 240-gallon tank. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Bui said he pays double what he used to— around $1,400 — to fill up his 240-gallon tank. \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/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102801\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-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\">Trucks pull oversized loads into the Port of Oakland where the loads are checked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sept. 28, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/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/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102801\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks pull oversized loads into the Port of Oakland where the loads are checked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sept. 28, 2026.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ Before, you make money. Now, you try to cover the cost. That’s how it works now,” he said. “ We just live day by day.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>PCC works with approximately 85 licensed motor carriers (among 800 at the port) and owns 10 company trucks. The company relies heavily on the licensed motor carriers — as opposed to drivers employed by the company — to cut down on costs, such as leasing and purchasing trucks and paying for fuel and insurance. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>PCC works with approximately 85 licensed motor carriers (among 800 at the port) and owns 10 company trucks. The company relies heavily on the licensed motor carriers — as opposed to drivers employed by the company — to cut down on costs, such as leasing and purchasing trucks and paying for fuel and insurance. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The company specializes in trucking meat and produce from the Central Valley to the Port of Oakland, where goods are loaded onto ships bound for Asia. This time of year, PCC distributes the Central Valley’s pomegranate and kiwi harvests, having wrapped up shipping honeydew melons out of the Fresno County city of Firebaugh, according to Steve Gardner, director of transportation for PCC.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The company specializes in trucking meat and produce from the Central Valley to the Port of Oakland, where goods are loaded onto ships bound for Asia. This time of year, PCC distributes the Central Valley’s pomegranate and kiwi harvests, having wrapped up shipping honeydew melons out of the Fresno County city of Firebaugh, according to Steve Gardner, director of transportation for PCC.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But the company’s independent truckers have become reluctant to make these long hauls because of high diesel prices, Gardner said. Diesel semi-trucks typically get around 7 miles to the gallon, he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But the company’s independent truckers have become reluctant to make these long hauls because of high diesel prices, Gardner said. Diesel semi-trucks typically get around 7 miles to the gallon, he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ They don’t want go that far because it costs money. They’re upset, and rightfully so,” he said. “ They’re complaining a lot more, and at some point it’s going to boil over.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Gardner said he’s surprised that there hasn’t been a work stoppage or a protest, and for now, there are truckers willing to take on the work, as PCC currently charges its customers a 45% fuel surcharge — most of which goes to its independent truckers to help pay for the increased diesel prices.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Gardner said he’s surprised that there hasn’t been a work stoppage or a protest, and for now, there are truckers willing to take on the work, as PCC currently charges its customers a 45% fuel surcharge — most of which goes to its independent truckers to help pay for the increased diesel prices.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Martin Ramirez, 59, of Oakland, who works for PCC as a licensed motor carrier, has been trucking for 34 years. He said 20 years ago, for every $1,000 he earned, he’d take home $750, after paying for fuel and insurance. But recently, he said fuel and insurance take the lion’s share: He now takes home $450 for every $1,000 he earns.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Martin Ramirez, 59, of Oakland, who works for PCC as a licensed motor carrier, has been trucking for 34 years. He said 20 years ago, for every $1,000 he earned, he’d take home $750, after paying for fuel and insurance. But recently, he said fuel and insurance take the lion’s share: He now takes home $450 for every $1,000 he earns.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ We’re not saving any money like before,” Ramirez said. “We’re not taking any vacations or taking our kids on a trip. We’re just surviving.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ We’re not saving any money like before,” Ramirez said. “We’re not taking any vacations or taking our kids on a trip. We’re just surviving.” \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The longer prices remain elevated, the less likely truckers will be able to absorb the financial losses, ultimately affecting the price and availability of everyday retail goods, said Severin Borenstein, a petroleum industry expert at UC Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The longer prices remain elevated, the less likely truckers will be able to absorb the financial losses, ultimately affecting the price and availability of everyday retail goods, said Severin Borenstein, a petroleum industry expert at UC Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ In the short run, truckers end up eating some of it, and retailers end up eating some of it. But gradually, over time, they can’t keep doing that, and you get less supply and the price goes up,” he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ In the short run, truckers end up eating some of it, and retailers end up eating some of it. But gradually, over time, they can’t keep doing that, and you get less supply and the price goes up,” he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"srcset": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-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/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg\" alt=\"View of a freeway with cars and trucks.\" class=\"wp-image-11945323\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traffic on Interstate 880 toward Oakland jam-packed with cars and diesel trucks mid-afternoon on June 28, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joyce Tsai/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/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg\" alt=\"View of a freeway with cars and trucks.\" class=\"wp-image-11945323\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traffic on Interstate 880 toward Oakland jam-packed with cars and diesel trucks mid-afternoon on June 28, 2021.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Joyce Tsai/KQED)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s especially true for goods like produce, which is heavy relative to its value, so the shipping costs are significant, Borenstein said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>That’s especially true for goods like produce, which is heavy relative to its value, so the shipping costs are significant, Borenstein said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even if the wars were to end tomorrow, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/13/nx-s1-6000118/how-will-a-diesel-deal-with-russia-impact-the-u-s-market\">damage\u003c/a> done by missile and drone strikes to oil fields and refineries in Russia and the Middle East would take months to over a year to repair, he said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Even if the wars were to end tomorrow, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/13/nx-s1-6000118/how-will-a-diesel-deal-with-russia-impact-the-u-s-market\">damage\u003c/a> done by missile and drone strikes to oil fields and refineries in Russia and the Middle East would take months to over a year to repair, he said.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“If I were a trucker, I would certainly not count on diesel prices getting back to pre-war levels any time in the next many months, possibly more than a year,” he said, referring to the start of the Iran war in late February 2026, when the state’s diesel prices were around $5 a gallon.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“If I were a trucker, I would certainly not count on diesel prices getting back to pre-war levels any time in the next many months, possibly more than a year,” he said, referring to the start of the Iran war in late February 2026, when the state’s diesel prices were around $5 a gallon.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Fuel prices in California are typically higher than the rest of the country due to a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">number of factors\u003c/a>, namely taxes and the state’s emission reduction programs. The average price for a gallon of diesel in California is currently about $2 higher than the national average, according to \u003ca href=\"https://gasprices.aaa.com/\">AAA\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Fuel prices in California are typically higher than the rest of the country due to a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">number of factors\u003c/a>, namely taxes and the state’s emission reduction programs. The average price for a gallon of diesel in California is currently about $2 higher than the national average, according to \u003ca href=\"https://gasprices.aaa.com/\">AAA\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/10/2022/10/GettyImages-1396887368-scaled-e1792528283369.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11930567\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of a hydrogen fuel cell truck driving on a road. According to the California Air Resources Board, heavy-duty fossil-fuel trucks spew 70% of the state’s smog-forming gases and 80% of carcinogenic diesel pollutants.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Aranga87/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/10/2022/10/GettyImages-1396887368-scaled-e1792528283369.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11930567\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of a hydrogen fuel cell truck driving on a road. According to the California Air Resources Board, heavy-duty fossil-fuel trucks spew 70% of the state’s smog-forming gases and 80% of carcinogenic diesel pollutants.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Aranga87/Getty Images)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In August, the California Energy Commission approved a \u003ca href=\"https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2026-08/cec-approves-95-million-plan-expand-zev-infrastructure\">$95 million plan\u003c/a> to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure across the state, including heavy-duty kinds for port and freight trucking. Gov. Gavin Newsom said this investment is partly aimed at “breaking Big Oil’s grip on Californians’ wallets.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In August, the California Energy Commission approved a \u003ca href=\"https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2026-08/cec-approves-95-million-plan-expand-zev-infrastructure\">$95 million plan\u003c/a> to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure across the state, including heavy-duty kinds for port and freight trucking. Gov. Gavin Newsom said this investment is partly aimed at “breaking Big Oil’s grip on Californians’ wallets.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Technology, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/margooge/2026/10/01/the-only-real-hedge-against-diesel-shock-is-an-electric-truck/?\">electric semi-trucks\u003c/a>, could help insulate truckers from volatility in the diesel market, but Gardner said those alternatives don’t yet have the infrastructure they need to be feasible.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Technology, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/margooge/2026/10/01/the-only-real-hedge-against-diesel-shock-is-an-electric-truck/?\">electric semi-trucks\u003c/a>, could help insulate truckers from volatility in the diesel market, but Gardner said those alternatives don’t yet have the infrastructure they need to be feasible.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ You can put 1,000 electric trucks over here, but I don’t have any place to charge them,” he said. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ You can put 1,000 electric trucks over here, but I don’t have any place to charge them,” he said. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>For now, Bui has elected to only take short jobs, running loads between the port and nearby warehouses, to help minimize his exposure to high fuel costs. But he said it’s not a long-term solution. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>For now, Bui has elected to only take short jobs, running loads between the port and nearby warehouses, to help minimize his exposure to high fuel costs. But he said it’s not a long-term solution. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“ The diesel is killing the business,” Bui said. “ I would give it until the end of this year. If not, then I’ll have to find something else to do.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“ The diesel is killing the business,” Bui said. “ I would give it until the end of this year. If not, then I’ll have to find something else to do.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "The average price for diesel in California has reached more than $8 per gallon for over a month, pushing some truckers to the edge. ",
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"title": "Port of Oakland Truck Drivers Say Record-High Diesel Prices Are ‘Killing the Business’ | KQED",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Danny Bui’s semi-truck, a 2015 Freightliner Cascadia, is stocked with the essentials: a bed, a microwave, a refrigerator and a hearty supply of instant noodles. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>These comforts keep the 49-year-old father of four going during long days driving as a licensed motor carrier — the industry term for an independent contractor.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ I love the job. I love its independence. You want more money, you work hard,” Bui said in the expansive yard of PCC Logistics, the shipping company he works for at the \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/port-of-oakland\">Port of Oakland\u003c/a>.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Over the past six years, Bui, who immigrated to the United States from Vietnam when he was 14, has relied on trucking to support his family in San José. But as the wars in Iran and Ukraine have driven diesel prices to \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/forum/2010101915463/record-setting-diesel-prices-put-pressure-on-bay-area-businesses-and-consumers\">record levels\u003c/a> — over $8 per gallon on average in California, up $3 more than a year ago — Bui and other truckers said they’re struggling to afford loan and insurance payments and meet the high costs of living in the Bay Area, from housing to groceries. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Bui said he pays double what he used to— around $1,400 — to fill up his 240-gallon tank. \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/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12102801\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/260928-DIESELPRICES-NG-11-KQED-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks pull oversized loads into the Port of Oakland where the loads are checked by U.S. Customs and Border Protection on Sept. 28, 2026. (Nina Glick/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ Before, you make money. Now, you try to cover the cost. That’s how it works now,” he said. “ We just live day by day.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>PCC works with approximately 85 licensed motor carriers (among 800 at the port) and owns 10 company trucks. The company relies heavily on the licensed motor carriers — as opposed to drivers employed by the company — to cut down on costs, such as leasing and purchasing trucks and paying for fuel and insurance. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The company specializes in trucking meat and produce from the Central Valley to the Port of Oakland, where goods are loaded onto ships bound for Asia. This time of year, PCC distributes the Central Valley’s pomegranate and kiwi harvests, having wrapped up shipping honeydew melons out of the Fresno County city of Firebaugh, according to Steve Gardner, director of transportation for PCC.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But the company’s independent truckers have become reluctant to make these long hauls because of high diesel prices, Gardner said. Diesel semi-trucks typically get around 7 miles to the gallon, he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ They don’t want go that far because it costs money. They’re upset, and rightfully so,” he said. “ They’re complaining a lot more, and at some point it’s going to boil over.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Gardner said he’s surprised that there hasn’t been a work stoppage or a protest, and for now, there are truckers willing to take on the work, as PCC currently charges its customers a 45% fuel surcharge — most of which goes to its independent truckers to help pay for the increased diesel prices.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Martin Ramirez, 59, of Oakland, who works for PCC as a licensed motor carrier, has been trucking for 34 years. He said 20 years ago, for every $1,000 he earned, he’d take home $750, after paying for fuel and insurance. But recently, he said fuel and insurance take the lion’s share: He now takes home $450 for every $1,000 he earns.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ We’re not saving any money like before,” Ramirez said. “We’re not taking any vacations or taking our kids on a trip. We’re just surviving.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The longer prices remain elevated, the less likely truckers will be able to absorb the financial losses, ultimately affecting the price and availability of everyday retail goods, said Severin Borenstein, a petroleum industry expert at UC Berkeley. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ In the short run, truckers end up eating some of it, and retailers end up eating some of it. But gradually, over time, they can’t keep doing that, and you get less supply and the price goes up,” he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg\" alt=\"View of a freeway with cars and trucks.\" class=\"wp-image-11945323\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut.jpg 1920w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-800x533.jpg 800w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1020x680.jpg 1020w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/03/RS50203_IMG_6571-qut-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Traffic on Interstate 880 toward Oakland jam-packed with cars and diesel trucks mid-afternoon on June 28, 2021. (Joyce Tsai/KQED)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s especially true for goods like produce, which is heavy relative to its value, so the shipping costs are significant, Borenstein said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even if the wars were to end tomorrow, the \u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/2026/10/13/nx-s1-6000118/how-will-a-diesel-deal-with-russia-impact-the-u-s-market\">damage\u003c/a> done by missile and drone strikes to oil fields and refineries in Russia and the Middle East would take months to over a year to repair, he said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“If I were a trucker, I would certainly not count on diesel prices getting back to pre-war levels any time in the next many months, possibly more than a year,” he said, referring to the start of the Iran war in late February 2026, when the state’s diesel prices were around $5 a gallon.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Fuel prices in California are typically higher than the rest of the country due to a \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/12104393/california-democrats-hope-iran-war-flips-the-script-on-gas-prices\">number of factors\u003c/a>, namely taxes and the state’s emission reduction programs. The average price for a gallon of diesel in California is currently about $2 higher than the national average, according to \u003ca href=\"https://gasprices.aaa.com/\">AAA\u003c/a>.\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/10/2022/10/GettyImages-1396887368-scaled-e1792528283369.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-11930567\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Close-up of a hydrogen fuel cell truck driving on a road. According to the California Air Resources Board, heavy-duty fossil-fuel trucks spew 70% of the state’s smog-forming gases and 80% of carcinogenic diesel pollutants. (Aranga87/Getty Images)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In August, the California Energy Commission approved a \u003ca href=\"https://www.energy.ca.gov/news/2026-08/cec-approves-95-million-plan-expand-zev-infrastructure\">$95 million plan\u003c/a> to expand zero-emission vehicle infrastructure across the state, including heavy-duty kinds for port and freight trucking. Gov. Gavin Newsom said this investment is partly aimed at “breaking Big Oil’s grip on Californians’ wallets.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Technology, like \u003ca href=\"https://www.forbes.com/sites/margooge/2026/10/01/the-only-real-hedge-against-diesel-shock-is-an-electric-truck/?\">electric semi-trucks\u003c/a>, could help insulate truckers from volatility in the diesel market, but Gardner said those alternatives don’t yet have the infrastructure they need to be feasible.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ You can put 1,000 electric trucks over here, but I don’t have any place to charge them,” he said. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>For now, Bui has elected to only take short jobs, running loads between the port and nearby warehouses, to help minimize his exposure to high fuel costs. But he said it’s not a long-term solution. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“ The diesel is killing the business,” Bui said. “ I would give it until the end of this year. If not, then I’ll have to find something else to do.”\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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"slug": "they-killed-people-with-their-big-rigs-california-let-them-keep-driving",
"title": "They Killed People With Their Big Rigs. California Let Them Keep Driving",
"publishDate": 1792530000,
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"headTitle": "They Killed People With Their Big Rigs. California Let Them Keep Driving | KQED",
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"content": "\n\u003cp>Loren Chow looked in the rearview mirror and had a terrifying realization.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>We’re going to get hit.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>There’s nothing I can do to get out of this.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Traffic outside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fresno\">Fresno\u003c/a> had slowed. A semitruck loaded with fertilizer from Missouri, cruising at 65 miles per hour, hadn’t. By the time the driver, Baljit Singh, hit the brakes, it was too late. A fully loaded big rig traveling at that speed takes the length of nearly two football fields to stop.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Chow, his wife and their 17-year-old son were headed home from a college visit in June 2022. Singh’s red Freightliner smashed into the back of their SUV and flipped it. Jenny Chow died. Law enforcement said Singh caused the crash by driving too fast.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Loren Chow can’t talk about the details of the collision because of an active lawsuit against Singh, the trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers. But court filings, police reports and driving records lead to a simple conclusion:\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/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105318\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loren Chow holds a photo of his wife, Jenny, at the home they shared in Los Altos on Aug. 19, 2026. Skeeter, the family’s dog who they adopted shortly after Jenny’s death, snuggles next to him. (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the California Department of Motor Vehicles had done its job, Jenny Chow would still be alive.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s because in July 2021 — 11 months before he killed Chow — Singh let his semitruck drift over the median on Merle Haggard Drive in Kern County on his way to an Amazon distribution center, killing a 26-year-old man on a motorcycle. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The collision report from that crash shows police found pages from a log book, meant to keep track of Singh’s hours behind the wheel, “ripped into small pieces” in an overhead compartment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Investigators with the California Highway Patrol alleged that Singh was fatigued at the time of the crash after driving more than the 12-hour limit and recommended he be charged with vehicular manslaughter.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But while the DMV knew about the earlier fatal crash and had the authority to suspend Singh’s driving privileges, it let him continue to drive a big rig until he killed again.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The death was completely avoidable. That accident never should have happened,” Chow said, barely choking back grief during an interview in his Bay Area living room, which is blanketed in smiling photos of Jenny and their two boys.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 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=\"12105319\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105319\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An altar dedicated to Jenny Chow, a wife and mother who died after the family’s car was hit by a truck, sits on a mantel in the Chow family’s Los Altos home on Aug. 19, 2026. (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\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=\"12105320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jenny Chow’s car after the collision with Baljit Singh’s semi-truck. Screenshot via KGET\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I would have had my partner still. We’d be a family of four. Jenny would have seen Dylan and Tyler graduate from high school,” Chow said. “She would have seen so much if only the DMV had done what any person in his right mind would have done, which is to suspend the license.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A CalMatters investigation found that the DMV often lets professional drivers with a history of dangerous behavior behind the wheel stay on the road and command massive vehicles — buses filled with passengers, semis packed with goods, and tankers loaded with hazardous chemicals — even after a fatal crash.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Under California law, a truck driver convicted of manslaughter is disqualified from driving big rigs for 12 months. And any driver convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter is generally supposed to receive a three-year license revocation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But criminal cases can drag out, sometimes for years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Singh wasn’t convicted of manslaughter in Kern and Fresno counties until 2024. It was only then that the DMV took his license. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Singh and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\nhttps://youtu.be/Ri1cA7fg4uE?si=NXWb3jWHjMK15Yuo\n\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>State law empowers the agency to investigate drivers involved in fatal and serious-injury collisions and suspend their licenses — with or without a conviction. But the DMV routinely does nothing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even when the agency does act, records show it can take years to do so. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We examined court filings and DMV records for more than 130 commercial licensees charged with vehicular manslaughter from 2019 to early 2024 following a fatal crash on the job or off-duty in a personal vehicle. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nearly half had a valid Class A or Class B license as of late May, authorizing them to drive the biggest vehicles on the road. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That includes a dozen drivers who got a ticket for unsafe driving in a commercial vehicle after having already killed someone.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s more, vehicular manslaughter is supposed to be a three-point violation for a truck driver, but in almost every DMV record we reviewed, it was listed as two, the penalty for a regular driver. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"856\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105322\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737-160x69.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737-1536x664.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DMV notice Loren Chow received warning of delinquent registration fees on the vehicle involved in the fatal crash. \u003cbr> (Graphic composite by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agency in a written statement said it relies on the courts to notify it when a conviction involves a commercial vehicle so it can assess the appropriate number of points.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite such examples of bureaucratic indifference, we did find one area of enforcement in which the DMV is aggressive: making sure people pay fines.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2023, months before the agency finally suspended Singh’s license, it started sending Loren Chow letters threatening to garnish his wages, seize his property and put a lien on his home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The DMV said he was late paying his vehicle registration fee on the SUV that was totaled, by the truck driver it allowed to stay on the road.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>‘You’re gonna kill somebody’\u003c/strong> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The DMV’s inaction against commercial drivers is all the more consequential because of the clear risks they pose. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Truck driving is a grueling job involving long hours over vast distances. A fully loaded semi can total 80,000 pounds — 20 times the weight of a car. A speeding semitruck doesn’t do fender-benders; it obliterates.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“One thing goes wrong, you’re gonna kill somebody,” said Joe Rajkovacz, a longtime owner-operator and advocate with the Western States Trucking Association. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>About 4,000 people died in large-truck crashes in California from 2015 through 2024, the most recent decade for which \u003ca href=\"https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_LRT/Home?%3Aembed=y&%3Aiid=1&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y\">federal data\u003c/a> is available. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1988\" height=\"1116\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105340\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157.jpg 1988w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157-1536x862.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1988px) 100vw, 1988px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks drive along Interstate 5 near Firebaugh on Aug. 26, 2026. (Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California’s licensing decisions have an impact beyond the state’s borders. Supersized trucks, long the backbone of our economy, haul billions of dollars of food from the state’s farms and online orders from teeming ports to destinations across the country. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tami Friedrich, president of the Truck Safety Coalition, a national advocacy group, said that’s why regulators need to do more to flag truck drivers who shouldn’t be on the road. She got involved in road safety issues after her sister and brother-in-law and their two children — Kris, Alan, Anthony and Brandie — died in a crash with a big rig just after Christmas in 1989. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s a certain level of responsibility above and beyond a regular car driver that they should adhere to,” Friedrich said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The cases we examined suggest California is not holding them to that level.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A truck driver killed a 55-year-old man in Bakersfield in 2023, four years after court records show he allegedly injured a woman with his semi in a Sacramento crash. There’s nothing on his driving record to indicate that the DMV did anything in response. He got in yet another truck collision in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One driver was convicted of reckless driving and a hit-and-run, got in a collision in San Joaquin County in 2023, failed to show up to court in Sacramento on a traffic ticket and killed someone while driving in Amador County. Just this year he got a speeding ticket in Sacramento and in another collision in Amador. The DMV didn’t suspend his commercial driver’s license until September, after we asked about the case. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another driver with five prior collisions — including one in 2021 in which he veered onto the shoulder in a semitruck and killed someone in Riverside County — was able to renew his license last year and almost immediately racked up two tickets for speeding in a commercial vehicle. He had a valid trucker’s license as of September.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While regular drivers can easily drive on a suspended license, a trucking company isn’t likely to turn over a loaded semi to a driver without a valid commercial license, experts said. That means DMV action would be all the more meaningful. But the agency often acts only when it’s legally required to and doesn’t use its immense discretionary power to ensure that unsafe drivers get off the road.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081739\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Department of Motor Vehicles parking lot in central Fresno on Dec. 13, 2022. (Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The DMV’s hands-off approach comes at a time of turmoil for the trucking industry. Experts say a proliferation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-dangerous-trucking-schemes-putting-americans-at-risk-60-minutes-transcript/\">fly-by-night operators\u003c/a> and training schools has undercut safety standards and fueled a race to the bottom for driving conditions. At the same time, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/04/truck-drivers-california-2/\">has \u003c/a>alleged California is improperly giving commercial licenses to people who don’t meet immigration or language standards. The court files and DMV records we reviewed do not include drivers’ immigration status.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We sent the DMV a list of commercial drivers along with questions for this story. The agency declined an interview request and wouldn’t comment on specific cases but, shortly after, took action against a dozen of the drivers, such as suspending licenses or stripping commercial driving privileges.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an email, DMV spokesperson Jonathan Groveman wrote that the agency recently updated how it handles fatal crashes and manslaughter convictions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“During this modernization process, the DMV identified some cases that had not been previously reviewed and have now been processed or are currently being processed,” according to Groveman’s email.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He also wrote that law enforcement and the courts \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/investigation/2025/06/california-courts-dmv/\">need to report information to the agency\u003c/a> in a timely manner in order for the DMV to act.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘What the hell?’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jon Israel knew what kind of damage a fully loaded big rig could do. He used to drive one. And as a tow truck operator in California’s vast Inland Empire, he’d spent years towing away mangled wreckage from crashes on one of the state’s busiest trucking corridors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So Israel would have been cautious one summer morning in 2018, when he pulled his overheating tow truck to the side of Interstate 10 and got out to check the radiator fluid, traffic whipping by. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But there’s not much you can do when a semi veers your way.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A police report shows that Marco Rodriguez let his tractor-trailer drift onto the shoulder. The massive side mirror struck Israel. He died on the roadway he’d long patrolled. \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/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jon Israel with one of the tow trucks he used to patrol California’s vast Inland Empire. (Courtesy of Maxine Israel)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s DMV record shows he kept driving commercial vehicles even after the fatal crash, for which he was ultimately convicted of manslaughter. Police caught him speeding in commercial vehicles three separate times from 2022 through last year, and ticketed him one more time for a lane violation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite that record — a vehicular manslaughter conviction, plus four tickets for unsafe driving in commercial vehicles — the agency renewed Rodriguez’s trucker license in March, declining to use its discretion to keep him off the road.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What the hell?” said Maxine Israel, Jon’s widow. “Are they waiting for him to kill somebody else?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s criminal defense attorney, Mukund Arun, called the fatal crash “a very unfortunate, tragic incident” and emphasized that his client was only charged with a misdemeanor. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Prosecutors can charge vehicular manslaughter as a felony or a misdemeanor, with the more serious charge typically involving extreme behavior like drunk driving or excessive speeding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Maxine Israel comes from a trucking family. She missed her high school graduation to go on a run in her dad’s semi. For years, she and Jon lived near a notoriously strict Riverside County checkpoint where the CHP weighed trucks and drivers could buy T-shirts that said, “I survived the Banning Scales.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1982\" height=\"1113\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg 1982w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1982px) 100vw, 1982px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks and cars drive along Interstate 580 through Altamont Pass on Aug. 18, 2026. (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But over time, she and her husband noticed that truck drivers seemed to get younger and younger. They drove fast, and their eyes often drifted from the road ahead. The big thing she and Jon talked about was how, unlike in some other states, truck drivers here often failed to slow down and switch lanes to pass people on the shoulder.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“California used to be really, really strict on the big trucks,” Israel said. But now, it’s “like they don’t care.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been more than six years since Rodriguez was convicted of killing Jon Israel. In July, after CalMatters asked the DMV about the case, the agency finally disqualified Rodriguez from driving commercially. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DMV records show it’s a one-year ban; he should be eligible to go back to driving trucks next summer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Court research by Robert Lewis, Lauren Hepler, Anat Rubin, Sergio Olmos, Cayla Mihalovich, Ese Olumhense, Ko Bragg, Andrew Donohue and Jenna Peterson. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Thank you to our partner KGET for contributing to this piece after producing its \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/license-to-kill-a-17-news-special-report/\">\u003cem>own video\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Traffic outside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fresno\">Fresno\u003c/a> had slowed. A semitruck loaded with fertilizer from Missouri, cruising at 65 miles per hour, hadn’t. By the time the driver, Baljit Singh, hit the brakes, it was too late. A fully loaded big rig traveling at that speed takes the length of nearly two football fields to stop.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Traffic outside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fresno\">Fresno\u003c/a> had slowed. A semitruck loaded with fertilizer from Missouri, cruising at 65 miles per hour, hadn’t. By the time the driver, Baljit Singh, hit the brakes, it was too late. A fully loaded big rig traveling at that speed takes the length of nearly two football fields to stop.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Chow, his wife and their 17-year-old son were headed home from a college visit in June 2022. Singh’s red Freightliner smashed into the back of their SUV and flipped it. Jenny Chow died. Law enforcement said Singh caused the crash by driving too fast.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Chow, his wife and their 17-year-old son were headed home from a college visit in June 2022. Singh’s red Freightliner smashed into the back of their SUV and flipped it. Jenny Chow died. Law enforcement said Singh caused the crash by driving too fast.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Loren Chow can’t talk about the details of the collision because of an active lawsuit against Singh, the trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers. But court filings, police reports and driving records lead to a simple conclusion:\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Loren Chow can’t talk about the details of the collision because of an active lawsuit against Singh, the trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers. But court filings, police reports and driving records lead to a simple conclusion:\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/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105318\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loren Chow holds a photo of his wife, Jenny, at the home they shared in Los Altos on Aug. 19, 2026. Skeeter, the family’s dog who they adopted shortly after Jenny’s death, snuggles next to him.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\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/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105318\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loren Chow holds a photo of his wife, Jenny, at the home they shared in Los Altos on Aug. 19, 2026. Skeeter, the family’s dog who they adopted shortly after Jenny’s death, snuggles next to him.\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That’s because in July 2021 — 11 months before he killed Chow — Singh let his semitruck drift over the median on Merle Haggard Drive in Kern County on his way to an Amazon distribution center, killing a 26-year-old man on a motorcycle. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“The death was completely avoidable. That accident never should have happened,” Chow said, barely choking back grief during an interview in his Bay Area living room, which is blanketed in smiling photos of Jenny and their two boys.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A CalMatters investigation found that the DMV often lets professional drivers with a history of dangerous behavior behind the wheel stay on the road and command massive vehicles — buses filled with passengers, semis packed with goods, and tankers loaded with hazardous chemicals — even after a fatal crash.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A CalMatters investigation found that the DMV often lets professional drivers with a history of dangerous behavior behind the wheel stay on the road and command massive vehicles — buses filled with passengers, semis packed with goods, and tankers loaded with hazardous chemicals — even after a fatal crash.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Under California law, a truck driver convicted of manslaughter is disqualified from driving big rigs for 12 months. And any driver convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter is generally supposed to receive a three-year license revocation. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But criminal cases can drag out, sometimes for years. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Singh wasn’t convicted of manslaughter in Kern and Fresno counties until 2024. It was only then that the DMV took his license. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Singh and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>State law empowers the agency to investigate drivers involved in fatal and serious-injury collisions and suspend their licenses — with or without a conviction. But the DMV routinely does nothing.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>State law empowers the agency to investigate drivers involved in fatal and serious-injury collisions and suspend their licenses — with or without a conviction. But the DMV routinely does nothing.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Even when the agency does act, records show it can take years to do so. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>We examined court filings and DMV records for more than 130 commercial licensees charged with vehicular manslaughter from 2019 to early 2024 following a fatal crash on the job or off-duty in a personal vehicle. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>We examined court filings and DMV records for more than 130 commercial licensees charged with vehicular manslaughter from 2019 to early 2024 following a fatal crash on the job or off-duty in a personal vehicle. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Nearly half had a valid Class A or Class B license as of late May, authorizing them to drive the biggest vehicles on the road. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>That includes a dozen drivers who got a ticket for unsafe driving in a commercial vehicle after having already killed someone.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>What’s more, vehicular manslaughter is supposed to be a three-point violation for a truck driver, but in almost every DMV record we reviewed, it was listed as two, the penalty for a regular driver. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>What’s more, vehicular manslaughter is supposed to be a three-point violation for a truck driver, but in almost every DMV record we reviewed, it was listed as two, the penalty for a regular driver. \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/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105322\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737-160x69.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737-1536x664.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DMV notice Loren Chow received warning of delinquent registration fees on the vehicle involved in the fatal crash. \u003cbr>\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Graphic composite by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters)\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/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105322\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DMV notice Loren Chow received warning of delinquent registration fees on the vehicle involved in the fatal crash. \u003cbr>\u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Graphic composite by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The agency in a written statement said it relies on the courts to notify it when a conviction involves a commercial vehicle so it can assess the appropriate number of points.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite such examples of bureaucratic indifference, we did find one area of enforcement in which the DMV is aggressive: making sure people pay fines.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In 2023, months before the agency finally suspended Singh’s license, it started sending Loren Chow letters threatening to garnish his wages, seize his property and put a lien on his home.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In 2023, months before the agency finally suspended Singh’s license, it started sending Loren Chow letters threatening to garnish his wages, seize his property and put a lien on his home.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The DMV said he was late paying his vehicle registration fee on the SUV that was totaled, by the truck driver it allowed to stay on the road.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>‘You’re gonna kill somebody’\u003c/strong> \u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The DMV’s inaction against commercial drivers is all the more consequential because of the clear risks they pose. \u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Truck driving is a grueling job involving long hours over vast distances. A fully loaded semi can total 80,000 pounds — 20 times the weight of a car. A speeding semitruck doesn’t do fender-benders; it obliterates.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Truck driving is a grueling job involving long hours over vast distances. A fully loaded semi can total 80,000 pounds — 20 times the weight of a car. A speeding semitruck doesn’t do fender-benders; it obliterates.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“One thing goes wrong, you’re gonna kill somebody,” said Joe Rajkovacz, a longtime owner-operator and advocate with the Western States Trucking Association. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“One thing goes wrong, you’re gonna kill somebody,” said Joe Rajkovacz, a longtime owner-operator and advocate with the Western States Trucking Association. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>About 4,000 people died in large-truck crashes in California from 2015 through 2024, the most recent decade for which \u003ca href=\"https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_LRT/Home?%3Aembed=y&%3Aiid=1&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y\">federal data\u003c/a> is available. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>About 4,000 people died in large-truck crashes in California from 2015 through 2024, the most recent decade for which \u003ca href=\"https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_LRT/Home?%3Aembed=y&%3Aiid=1&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y\">federal data\u003c/a> is available. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>California’s licensing decisions have an impact beyond the state’s borders. Supersized trucks, long the backbone of our economy, haul billions of dollars of food from the state’s farms and online orders from teeming ports to destinations across the country. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>California’s licensing decisions have an impact beyond the state’s borders. Supersized trucks, long the backbone of our economy, haul billions of dollars of food from the state’s farms and online orders from teeming ports to destinations across the country. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Tami Friedrich, president of the Truck Safety Coalition, a national advocacy group, said that’s why regulators need to do more to flag truck drivers who shouldn’t be on the road. She got involved in road safety issues after her sister and brother-in-law and their two children — Kris, Alan, Anthony and Brandie — died in a crash with a big rig just after Christmas in 1989. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Tami Friedrich, president of the Truck Safety Coalition, a national advocacy group, said that’s why regulators need to do more to flag truck drivers who shouldn’t be on the road. She got involved in road safety issues after her sister and brother-in-law and their two children — Kris, Alan, Anthony and Brandie — died in a crash with a big rig just after Christmas in 1989. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“There’s a certain level of responsibility above and beyond a regular car driver that they should adhere to,” Friedrich said.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The cases we examined suggest California is not holding them to that level.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The cases we examined suggest California is not holding them to that level.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A truck driver killed a 55-year-old man in Bakersfield in 2023, four years after court records show he allegedly injured a woman with his semi in a Sacramento crash. There’s nothing on his driving record to indicate that the DMV did anything in response. He got in yet another truck collision in 2025.\u003c/p>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>One driver was convicted of reckless driving and a hit-and-run, got in a collision in San Joaquin County in 2023, failed to show up to court in Sacramento on a traffic ticket and killed someone while driving in Amador County. Just this year he got a speeding ticket in Sacramento and in another collision in Amador. The DMV didn’t suspend his commercial driver’s license until September, after we asked about the case. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>One driver was convicted of reckless driving and a hit-and-run, got in a collision in San Joaquin County in 2023, failed to show up to court in Sacramento on a traffic ticket and killed someone while driving in Amador County. Just this year he got a speeding ticket in Sacramento and in another collision in Amador. The DMV didn’t suspend his commercial driver’s license until September, after we asked about the case. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Another driver with five prior collisions — including one in 2021 in which he veered onto the shoulder in a semitruck and killed someone in Riverside County — was able to renew his license last year and almost immediately racked up two tickets for speeding in a commercial vehicle. He had a valid trucker’s license as of September.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Another driver with five prior collisions — including one in 2021 in which he veered onto the shoulder in a semitruck and killed someone in Riverside County — was able to renew his license last year and almost immediately racked up two tickets for speeding in a commercial vehicle. He had a valid trucker’s license as of September.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>While regular drivers can easily drive on a suspended license, a trucking company isn’t likely to turn over a loaded semi to a driver without a valid commercial license, experts said. That means DMV action would be all the more meaningful. But the agency often acts only when it’s legally required to and doesn’t use its immense discretionary power to ensure that unsafe drivers get off the road.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>While regular drivers can easily drive on a suspended license, a trucking company isn’t likely to turn over a loaded semi to a driver without a valid commercial license, experts said. That means DMV action would be all the more meaningful. But the agency often acts only when it’s legally required to and doesn’t use its immense discretionary power to ensure that unsafe drivers get off the road.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>The DMV’s hands-off approach comes at a time of turmoil for the trucking industry. Experts say a proliferation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-dangerous-trucking-schemes-putting-americans-at-risk-60-minutes-transcript/\">fly-by-night operators\u003c/a> and training schools has undercut safety standards and fueled a race to the bottom for driving conditions. At the same time, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/04/truck-drivers-california-2/\">has \u003c/a>alleged California is improperly giving commercial licenses to people who don’t meet immigration or language standards. The court files and DMV records we reviewed do not include drivers’ immigration status.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>The DMV’s hands-off approach comes at a time of turmoil for the trucking industry. Experts say a proliferation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-dangerous-trucking-schemes-putting-americans-at-risk-60-minutes-transcript/\">fly-by-night operators\u003c/a> and training schools has undercut safety standards and fueled a race to the bottom for driving conditions. At the same time, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/04/truck-drivers-california-2/\">has \u003c/a>alleged California is improperly giving commercial licenses to people who don’t meet immigration or language standards. The court files and DMV records we reviewed do not include drivers’ immigration status.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>We sent the DMV a list of commercial drivers along with questions for this story. The agency declined an interview request and wouldn’t comment on specific cases but, shortly after, took action against a dozen of the drivers, such as suspending licenses or stripping commercial driving privileges.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>We sent the DMV a list of commercial drivers along with questions for this story. The agency declined an interview request and wouldn’t comment on specific cases but, shortly after, took action against a dozen of the drivers, such as suspending licenses or stripping commercial driving privileges.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>In an email, DMV spokesperson Jonathan Groveman wrote that the agency recently updated how it handles fatal crashes and manslaughter convictions.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>In an email, DMV spokesperson Jonathan Groveman wrote that the agency recently updated how it handles fatal crashes and manslaughter convictions.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“During this modernization process, the DMV identified some cases that had not been previously reviewed and have now been processed or are currently being processed,” according to Groveman’s email.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“During this modernization process, the DMV identified some cases that had not been previously reviewed and have now been processed or are currently being processed,” according to Groveman’s email.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>He also wrote that law enforcement and the courts \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/investigation/2025/06/california-courts-dmv/\">need to report information to the agency\u003c/a> in a timely manner in order for the DMV to act.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>He also wrote that law enforcement and the courts \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/investigation/2025/06/california-courts-dmv/\">need to report information to the agency\u003c/a> in a timely manner in order for the DMV to act.\u003c/p>\n"
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"attrs": {
"text": "‘What the hell?’",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘What the hell?’\u003c/h2>\n",
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Jon Israel knew what kind of damage a fully loaded big rig could do. He used to drive one. And as a tow truck operator in California’s vast Inland Empire, he’d spent years towing away mangled wreckage from crashes on one of the state’s busiest trucking corridors.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Jon Israel knew what kind of damage a fully loaded big rig could do. He used to drive one. And as a tow truck operator in California’s vast Inland Empire, he’d spent years towing away mangled wreckage from crashes on one of the state’s busiest trucking corridors.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>So Israel would have been cautious one summer morning in 2018, when he pulled his overheating tow truck to the side of Interstate 10 and got out to check the radiator fluid, traffic whipping by. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>So Israel would have been cautious one summer morning in 2018, when he pulled his overheating tow truck to the side of Interstate 10 and got out to check the radiator fluid, traffic whipping by. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But there’s not much you can do when a semi veers your way.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But there’s not much you can do when a semi veers your way.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>A police report shows that Marco Rodriguez let his tractor-trailer drift onto the shoulder. The massive side mirror struck Israel. He died on the roadway he’d long patrolled. \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>A police report shows that Marco Rodriguez let his tractor-trailer drift onto the shoulder. The massive side mirror struck Israel. He died on the roadway he’d long patrolled. \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/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jon Israel with one of the tow trucks he used to patrol California’s vast Inland Empire. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Maxine Israel)\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/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105324\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jon Israel with one of the tow trucks he used to patrol California’s vast Inland Empire. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Courtesy of Maxine Israel)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s DMV record shows he kept driving commercial vehicles even after the fatal crash, for which he was ultimately convicted of manslaughter. Police caught him speeding in commercial vehicles three separate times from 2022 through last year, and ticketed him one more time for a lane violation.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s DMV record shows he kept driving commercial vehicles even after the fatal crash, for which he was ultimately convicted of manslaughter. Police caught him speeding in commercial vehicles three separate times from 2022 through last year, and ticketed him one more time for a lane violation.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Despite that record — a vehicular manslaughter conviction, plus four tickets for unsafe driving in commercial vehicles — the agency renewed Rodriguez’s trucker license in March, declining to use its discretion to keep him off the road.\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Despite that record — a vehicular manslaughter conviction, plus four tickets for unsafe driving in commercial vehicles — the agency renewed Rodriguez’s trucker license in March, declining to use its discretion to keep him off the road.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“What the hell?” said Maxine Israel, Jon’s widow. “Are they waiting for him to kill somebody else?”\u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>“What the hell?” said Maxine Israel, Jon’s widow. “Are they waiting for him to kill somebody else?”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s criminal defense attorney, Mukund Arun, called the fatal crash “a very unfortunate, tragic incident” and emphasized that his client was only charged with a misdemeanor. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s criminal defense attorney, Mukund Arun, called the fatal crash “a very unfortunate, tragic incident” and emphasized that his client was only charged with a misdemeanor. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Prosecutors can charge vehicular manslaughter as a felony or a misdemeanor, with the more serious charge typically involving extreme behavior like drunk driving or excessive speeding. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>Prosecutors can charge vehicular manslaughter as a felony or a misdemeanor, with the more serious charge typically involving extreme behavior like drunk driving or excessive speeding. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>Maxine Israel comes from a trucking family. She missed her high school graduation to go on a run in her dad’s semi. For years, she and Jon lived near a notoriously strict Riverside County checkpoint where the CHP weighed trucks and drivers could buy T-shirts that said, “I survived the Banning Scales.” \u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>Maxine Israel comes from a trucking family. She missed her high school graduation to go on a run in her dad’s semi. For years, she and Jon lived near a notoriously strict Riverside County checkpoint where the CHP weighed trucks and drivers could buy T-shirts that said, “I survived the Banning Scales.” \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/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg 1982w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 992px) min(100vw, 1536px), (min-width: 768px) min(100vw, 1280px), min(100vw, 1020px)\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Trucks and cars drive along Interstate 580 through Altamont Pass on Aug. 18, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\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/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105341\"/>\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"> Trucks and cars drive along Interstate 580 through Altamont Pass on Aug. 18, 2026. \u003ccite class=\"wp-inline-image-credit\"> (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\u003c/cite>\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>But over time, she and her husband noticed that truck drivers seemed to get younger and younger. They drove fast, and their eyes often drifted from the road ahead. The big thing she and Jon talked about was how, unlike in some other states, truck drivers here often failed to slow down and switch lanes to pass people on the shoulder.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>But over time, she and her husband noticed that truck drivers seemed to get younger and younger. They drove fast, and their eyes often drifted from the road ahead. The big thing she and Jon talked about was how, unlike in some other states, truck drivers here often failed to slow down and switch lanes to pass people on the shoulder.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>“California used to be really, really strict on the big trucks,” Israel said. But now, it’s “like they don’t care.”\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>“California used to be really, really strict on the big trucks,” Israel said. But now, it’s “like they don’t care.”\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>It’s been more than six years since Rodriguez was convicted of killing Jon Israel. In July, after CalMatters asked the DMV about the case, the agency finally disqualified Rodriguez from driving commercially. \u003c/p>\n",
"innerContent": [
"\n\u003cp>It’s been more than six years since Rodriguez was convicted of killing Jon Israel. In July, after CalMatters asked the DMV about the case, the agency finally disqualified Rodriguez from driving commercially. \u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>DMV records show it’s a one-year ban; he should be eligible to go back to driving trucks next summer.\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>DMV records show it’s a one-year ban; he should be eligible to go back to driving trucks next summer.\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Court research by Robert Lewis, Lauren Hepler, Anat Rubin, Sergio Olmos, Cayla Mihalovich, Ese Olumhense, Ko Bragg, Andrew Donohue and Jenna Peterson. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Court research by Robert Lewis, Lauren Hepler, Anat Rubin, Sergio Olmos, Cayla Mihalovich, Ese Olumhense, Ko Bragg, Andrew Donohue and Jenna Peterson. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"innerHTML": "\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Thank you to our partner KGET for contributing to this piece after producing its \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/license-to-kill-a-17-news-special-report/\">\u003cem>own video\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n",
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"\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Thank you to our partner KGET for contributing to this piece after producing its \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/license-to-kill-a-17-news-special-report/\">\u003cem>own video\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n"
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"excerpt": "A CalMatters investigation finds that nearly half of commercial drivers had a valid license after being charged with vehicular manslaughter.",
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"content": "\u003cdiv class=\"post-body\">\u003cp>\n\u003cp>Loren Chow looked in the rearview mirror and had a terrifying realization.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>We’re going to get hit.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>There’s nothing I can do to get out of this.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Traffic outside \u003ca href=\"https://www.kqed.org/news/tag/fresno\">Fresno\u003c/a> had slowed. A semitruck loaded with fertilizer from Missouri, cruising at 65 miles per hour, hadn’t. By the time the driver, Baljit Singh, hit the brakes, it was too late. A fully loaded big rig traveling at that speed takes the length of nearly two football fields to stop.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Chow, his wife and their 17-year-old son were headed home from a college visit in June 2022. Singh’s red Freightliner smashed into the back of their SUV and flipped it. Jenny Chow died. Law enforcement said Singh caused the crash by driving too fast.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Loren Chow can’t talk about the details of the collision because of an active lawsuit against Singh, the trucking companies and vehicle manufacturers. But court filings, police reports and driving records lead to a simple conclusion:\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/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105318\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_AHK_CM_17-0d5a4f9b-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Loren Chow holds a photo of his wife, Jenny, at the home they shared in Los Altos on Aug. 19, 2026. Skeeter, the family’s dog who they adopted shortly after Jenny’s death, snuggles next to him. (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>If the California Department of Motor Vehicles had done its job, Jenny Chow would still be alive.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That’s because in July 2021 — 11 months before he killed Chow — Singh let his semitruck drift over the median on Merle Haggard Drive in Kern County on his way to an Amazon distribution center, killing a 26-year-old man on a motorcycle. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The collision report from that crash shows police found pages from a log book, meant to keep track of Singh’s hours behind the wheel, “ripped into small pieces” in an overhead compartment. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Investigators with the California Highway Patrol alleged that Singh was fatigued at the time of the crash after driving more than the 12-hour limit and recommended he be charged with vehicular manslaughter.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But while the DMV knew about the earlier fatal crash and had the authority to suspend Singh’s driving privileges, it let him continue to drive a big rig until he killed again.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“The death was completely avoidable. That accident never should have happened,” Chow said, barely choking back grief during an interview in his Bay Area living room, which is blanketed in smiling photos of Jenny and their two boys.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 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=\"12105319\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105319\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/081926_L2K_Loren_Chow_CM_02-01d2827a-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">An altar dedicated to Jenny Chow, a wife and mother who died after the family’s car was hit by a truck, sits on a mantel in the Chow family’s Los Altos home on Aug. 19, 2026. (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\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=\"12105320\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105320\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/101426-Chow-Family-Car-CM-03-774ed6c5-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jenny Chow’s car after the collision with Baljit Singh’s semi-truck. Screenshot via KGET\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“I would have had my partner still. We’d be a family of four. Jenny would have seen Dylan and Tyler graduate from high school,” Chow said. “She would have seen so much if only the DMV had done what any person in his right mind would have done, which is to suspend the license.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A CalMatters investigation found that the DMV often lets professional drivers with a history of dangerous behavior behind the wheel stay on the road and command massive vehicles — buses filled with passengers, semis packed with goods, and tankers loaded with hazardous chemicals — even after a fatal crash.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Under California law, a truck driver convicted of manslaughter is disqualified from driving big rigs for 12 months. And any driver convicted of felony vehicular manslaughter is generally supposed to receive a three-year license revocation. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But criminal cases can drag out, sometimes for years. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Singh wasn’t convicted of manslaughter in Kern and Fresno counties until 2024. It was only then that the DMV took his license. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Singh and his attorney did not respond to requests for comment.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutube'>\n \u003cspan class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__embedYoutubeInside'>\n \u003ciframe\n loading='lazy'\n class='utils-parseShortcode-shortcodes-__youtubeShortcode__youtubePlayer'\n type='text/html'\n src='//www.youtube.com/embed/Ri1cA7fg4uE'\n title='//www.youtube.com/embed/Ri1cA7fg4uE'\n allowfullscreen='true'\n style='border:0;'>\u003c/iframe>\n \u003c/span>\n \u003c/span>\u003c/p>\u003cp>\u003c/div>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>State law empowers the agency to investigate drivers involved in fatal and serious-injury collisions and suspend their licenses — with or without a conviction. But the DMV routinely does nothing.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Even when the agency does act, records show it can take years to do so. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We examined court filings and DMV records for more than 130 commercial licensees charged with vehicular manslaughter from 2019 to early 2024 following a fatal crash on the job or off-duty in a personal vehicle. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Nearly half had a valid Class A or Class B license as of late May, authorizing them to drive the biggest vehicles on the road. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>That includes a dozen drivers who got a ticket for unsafe driving in a commercial vehicle after having already killed someone.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>What’s more, vehicular manslaughter is supposed to be a three-point violation for a truck driver, but in almost every DMV record we reviewed, it was listed as two, the penalty for a regular driver. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1980\" height=\"856\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105322\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737.jpg 1980w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737-160x69.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/092926-Deliquent-Registration-CM-01-03b6d737-1536x664.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The DMV notice Loren Chow received warning of delinquent registration fees on the vehicle involved in the fatal crash. \u003cbr> (Graphic composite by Miguel Gutierrez Jr./CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The agency in a written statement said it relies on the courts to notify it when a conviction involves a commercial vehicle so it can assess the appropriate number of points.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite such examples of bureaucratic indifference, we did find one area of enforcement in which the DMV is aggressive: making sure people pay fines.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In 2023, months before the agency finally suspended Singh’s license, it started sending Loren Chow letters threatening to garnish his wages, seize his property and put a lien on his home.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The DMV said he was late paying his vehicle registration fee on the SUV that was totaled, by the truck driver it allowed to stay on the road.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003cstrong>‘You’re gonna kill somebody’\u003c/strong> \u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The DMV’s inaction against commercial drivers is all the more consequential because of the clear risks they pose. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Truck driving is a grueling job involving long hours over vast distances. A fully loaded semi can total 80,000 pounds — 20 times the weight of a car. A speeding semitruck doesn’t do fender-benders; it obliterates.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“One thing goes wrong, you’re gonna kill somebody,” said Joe Rajkovacz, a longtime owner-operator and advocate with the Western States Trucking Association. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>About 4,000 people died in large-truck crashes in California from 2015 through 2024, the most recent decade for which \u003ca href=\"https://explore.dot.gov/views/DV_FARS_LRT/Home?%3Aembed=y&%3Aiid=1&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y\">federal data\u003c/a> is available. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1988\" height=\"1116\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105340\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157.jpg 1988w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157-1536x862.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/01-Sub-First-Video-0cd2e157-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1988px) 100vw, 1988px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks drive along Interstate 5 near Firebaugh on Aug. 26, 2026. (Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>California’s licensing decisions have an impact beyond the state’s borders. Supersized trucks, long the backbone of our economy, haul billions of dollars of food from the state’s farms and online orders from teeming ports to destinations across the country. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Tami Friedrich, president of the Truck Safety Coalition, a national advocacy group, said that’s why regulators need to do more to flag truck drivers who shouldn’t be on the road. She got involved in road safety issues after her sister and brother-in-law and their two children — Kris, Alan, Anthony and Brandie — died in a crash with a big rig just after Christmas in 1989. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“There’s a certain level of responsibility above and beyond a regular car driver that they should adhere to,” Friedrich said.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The cases we examined suggest California is not holding them to that level.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A truck driver killed a 55-year-old man in Bakersfield in 2023, four years after court records show he allegedly injured a woman with his semi in a Sacramento crash. There’s nothing on his driving record to indicate that the DMV did anything in response. He got in yet another truck collision in 2025.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>One driver was convicted of reckless driving and a hit-and-run, got in a collision in San Joaquin County in 2023, failed to show up to court in Sacramento on a traffic ticket and killed someone while driving in Amador County. Just this year he got a speeding ticket in Sacramento and in another collision in Amador. The DMV didn’t suspend his commercial driver’s license until September, after we asked about the case. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Another driver with five prior collisions — including one in 2021 in which he veered onto the shoulder in a semitruck and killed someone in Riverside County — was able to renew his license last year and almost immediately racked up two tickets for speeding in a commercial vehicle. He had a valid trucker’s license as of September.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>While regular drivers can easily drive on a suspended license, a trucking company isn’t likely to turn over a loaded semi to a driver without a valid commercial license, experts said. That means DMV action would be all the more meaningful. But the agency often acts only when it’s legally required to and doesn’t use its immense discretionary power to ensure that unsafe drivers get off the road.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12081739\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/04/DMVCM1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Department of Motor Vehicles parking lot in central Fresno on Dec. 13, 2022. (Larry Valenzuela for CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>The DMV’s hands-off approach comes at a time of turmoil for the trucking industry. Experts say a proliferation of \u003ca href=\"https://www.cbsnews.com/news/how-dangerous-trucking-schemes-putting-americans-at-risk-60-minutes-transcript/\">fly-by-night operators\u003c/a> and training schools has undercut safety standards and fueled a race to the bottom for driving conditions. At the same time, the Trump administration \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/economy/2026/04/truck-drivers-california-2/\">has \u003c/a>alleged California is improperly giving commercial licenses to people who don’t meet immigration or language standards. The court files and DMV records we reviewed do not include drivers’ immigration status.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>We sent the DMV a list of commercial drivers along with questions for this story. The agency declined an interview request and wouldn’t comment on specific cases but, shortly after, took action against a dozen of the drivers, such as suspending licenses or stripping commercial driving privileges.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>In an email, DMV spokesperson Jonathan Groveman wrote that the agency recently updated how it handles fatal crashes and manslaughter convictions.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“During this modernization process, the DMV identified some cases that had not been previously reviewed and have now been processed or are currently being processed,” according to Groveman’s email.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>He also wrote that law enforcement and the courts \u003ca href=\"https://calmatters.org/investigation/2025/06/california-courts-dmv/\">need to report information to the agency\u003c/a> in a timely manner in order for the DMV to act.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">‘What the hell?’\u003c/h2>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Jon Israel knew what kind of damage a fully loaded big rig could do. He used to drive one. And as a tow truck operator in California’s vast Inland Empire, he’d spent years towing away mangled wreckage from crashes on one of the state’s busiest trucking corridors.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>So Israel would have been cautious one summer morning in 2018, when he pulled his overheating tow truck to the side of Interstate 10 and got out to check the radiator fluid, traffic whipping by. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But there’s not much you can do when a semi veers your way.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>A police report shows that Marco Rodriguez let his tractor-trailer drift onto the shoulder. The massive side mirror struck Israel. He died on the roadway he’d long patrolled. \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/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105324\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9.jpg 2000w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9-160x107.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/093026-Jon-Israel-CM-5dcbe5e9-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Jon Israel with one of the tow trucks he used to patrol California’s vast Inland Empire. (Courtesy of Maxine Israel)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s DMV record shows he kept driving commercial vehicles even after the fatal crash, for which he was ultimately convicted of manslaughter. Police caught him speeding in commercial vehicles three separate times from 2022 through last year, and ticketed him one more time for a lane violation.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Despite that record — a vehicular manslaughter conviction, plus four tickets for unsafe driving in commercial vehicles — the agency renewed Rodriguez’s trucker license in March, declining to use its discretion to keep him off the road.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“What the hell?” said Maxine Israel, Jon’s widow. “Are they waiting for him to kill somebody else?”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Rodriguez’s criminal defense attorney, Mukund Arun, called the fatal crash “a very unfortunate, tragic incident” and emphasized that his client was only charged with a misdemeanor. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Prosecutors can charge vehicular manslaughter as a felony or a misdemeanor, with the more serious charge typically involving extreme behavior like drunk driving or excessive speeding. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>Maxine Israel comes from a trucking family. She missed her high school graduation to go on a run in her dad’s semi. For years, she and Jon lived near a notoriously strict Riverside County checkpoint where the CHP weighed trucks and drivers could buy T-shirts that said, “I survived the Banning Scales.” \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cfigure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\">\u003cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1982\" height=\"1113\" src=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12105341\" srcset=\"https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def.jpg 1982w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-160x90.jpg 160w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-1536x863.jpg 1536w, https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2026/10/02-Sub-Second-Video-2ade2def-1200x675.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1982px) 100vw, 1982px\" />\u003cfigcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Trucks and cars drive along Interstate 580 through Altamont Pass on Aug. 18, 2026. (Anna Hoch-Kenney/CalMatters)\u003c/figcaption>\u003c/figure>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>But over time, she and her husband noticed that truck drivers seemed to get younger and younger. They drove fast, and their eyes often drifted from the road ahead. The big thing she and Jon talked about was how, unlike in some other states, truck drivers here often failed to slow down and switch lanes to pass people on the shoulder.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>“California used to be really, really strict on the big trucks,” Israel said. But now, it’s “like they don’t care.”\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>It’s been more than six years since Rodriguez was convicted of killing Jon Israel. In July, after CalMatters asked the DMV about the case, the agency finally disqualified Rodriguez from driving commercially. \u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>DMV records show it’s a one-year ban; he should be eligible to go back to driving trucks next summer.\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Court research by Robert Lewis, Lauren Hepler, Anat Rubin, Sergio Olmos, Cayla Mihalovich, Ese Olumhense, Ko Bragg, Andrew Donohue and Jenna Peterson. \u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\n\n\n\u003cp>\u003cem>Thank you to our partner KGET for contributing to this piece after producing its \u003c/em>\u003ca href=\"https://www.kget.com/news/local-news/license-to-kill-a-17-news-special-report/\">\u003cem>own video\u003c/em>\u003c/a>\u003cem>.\u003c/em>\u003c/p>\n\u003c/div>\u003c/p>",
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}
},
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"id": "bbc-world-service",
"title": "BBC World Service",
"info": "The day's top stories from BBC News compiled twice daily in the week, once at weekends.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9pm-10pm, TUE-FRI 1am-2am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/BBC-World-Service-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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"meta": {
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},
"link": "/radio/program/bbc-world-service",
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"rss": "https://podcasts.files.bbci.co.uk/p02nq0gn.rss"
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},
"californiareport": {
"id": "californiareport",
"title": "The California Report",
"tagline": "California, day by day",
"info": "KQED’s statewide radio news program providing daily coverage of issues, trends and public policy decisions.",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-California-Report-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "/californiareport",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 8
},
"link": "/californiareport",
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}
},
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"id": "californiareportmagazine",
"title": "The California Report Magazine",
"tagline": "Your state, your stories",
"info": "Every week, The California Report Magazine takes you on a road trip for the ears: to visit the places and meet the people who make California unique. The in-depth storytelling podcast from the California Report.",
"airtime": "FRI 4:30pm-5pm, 6:30pm-7pm, 11pm-11:30pm",
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"order": 10
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM3NjkwNjk1OTAz",
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},
"city-arts": {
"id": "city-arts",
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"info": "A one-hour radio program to hear celebrated writers, artists and thinkers address contemporary ideas and values, often discussing the creative process. Please note: tapes or transcripts are not available",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/05/cityartsandlecture-300x300.jpg",
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"airtime": "SUN 1pm-2pm, TUE 10pm, WED 1am",
"meta": {
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"source": "City Arts & Lectures"
},
"link": "https://www.cityarts.net",
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"rss": "https://www.cityarts.net/feed/"
}
},
"closealltabs": {
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"order": 1
},
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"title": "Code Switch / Life Kit",
"info": "\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em>, which listeners will hear in the first part of the hour, has fearless and much-needed conversations about race. Hosted by journalists of color, the show tackles the subject of race head-on, exploring how it impacts every part of society — from politics and pop culture to history, sports and more.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em>, which will be in the second part of the hour, guides you through spaces and feelings no one prepares you for — from finances to mental health, from workplace microaggressions to imposter syndrome, from relationships to parenting. The show features experts with real world experience and shares their knowledge. Because everyone needs a little help being human.\u003cbr />\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510312/codeswitch\">\u003cem>Code Switch\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />\u003ca href=\"https://www.npr.org/lifekit\">\u003cem>Life Kit\u003c/em> offical site and podcast\u003c/a>\u003cbr />",
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"meta": {
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"id": "commonwealth-club",
"title": "Commonwealth Club of California Podcast",
"info": "The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum. As a non-partisan forum, The Club brings to the public airwaves diverse viewpoints on important topics. The Club's weekly radio broadcast - the oldest in the U.S., dating back to 1924 - is carried across the nation on public radio stations and is now podcasting. Our website archive features audio of our recent programs, as well as selected speeches from our long and distinguished history. This podcast feed is usually updated twice a week and is always un-edited.",
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"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Commonwealth-Club-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
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"meta": {
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"source": "Commonwealth Club of California"
},
"link": "/radio/program/commonwealth-club",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jb21tb253ZWFsdGhjbHViLm9yZy9hdWRpby9wb2RjYXN0L3dlZWtseS54bWw",
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"id": "forum",
"title": "Forum",
"tagline": "The conversation starts here",
"info": "KQED’s live call-in program discussing local, state, national and international issues, as well as in-depth interviews.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 9am-11am, 10pm-11pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Forum-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED Forum with Mina Kim and Alexis Madrigal",
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 9
},
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM5NTU3MzgxNjMz",
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"freakonomics-radio": {
"id": "freakonomics-radio",
"title": "Freakonomics Radio",
"info": "Freakonomics Radio is a one-hour award-winning podcast and public-radio project hosted by Stephen Dubner, with co-author Steve Levitt as a regular guest. It is produced in partnership with WNYC.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/news/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2018/05/freakonomicsRadio.png",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://freakonomics.com/",
"airtime": "SUN 1am-2am, SAT 3pm-4pm",
"meta": {
"site": "radio",
"source": "WNYC"
},
"link": "/radio/program/freakonomics-radio",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/freakonomics-radio/id354668519",
"tuneIn": "https://tunein.com/podcasts/WNYC-Podcasts/Freakonomics-Radio-p272293/",
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},
"fresh-air": {
"id": "fresh-air",
"title": "Fresh Air",
"info": "Hosted by Terry Gross, \u003cem>Fresh Air from WHYY\u003c/em> is the Peabody Award-winning weekday magazine of contemporary arts and issues. One of public radio's most popular programs, Fresh Air features intimate conversations with today's biggest luminaries.",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=214089682&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"info": "A live production of NPR and WBUR Boston, in collaboration with stations across the country, Here & Now reflects the fluid world of news as it's happening in the middle of the day, with timely, in-depth news, interviews and conversation. Hosted by Robin Young, Jeremy Hobson and Tonya Mosley.",
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"hidden-brain": {
"id": "hidden-brain",
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"info": "Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships.",
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"airtime": "SUN 7pm-8pm",
"meta": {
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"source": "NPR"
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"link": "/radio/program/hidden-brain",
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"how-i-built-this": {
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"title": "How I Built This with Guy Raz",
"info": "Guy Raz dives into the stories behind some of the world's best known companies. How I Built This weaves a narrative journey about innovators, entrepreneurs and idealists—and the movements they built.",
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"airtime": "SUN 7:30pm-8pm",
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"link": "/radio/program/how-i-built-this",
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"hyphenacion": {
"id": "hyphenacion",
"title": "Hyphenación",
"tagline": "Where conversation and cultura meet",
"info": "What kind of no sabo word is Hyphenación? For us, it’s about living within a hyphenation. Like being a third-gen Mexican-American from the Texas border now living that Bay Area Chicano life. Like Xorje! Each week we bring together a couple of hyphenated Latinos to talk all about personal life choices: family, careers, relationships, belonging … everything is on the table. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Hyphenacion_FinalAssets_PodcastTile.png",
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"order": 15
},
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},
"jerrybrown": {
"id": "jerrybrown",
"title": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown",
"tagline": "Lessons from a lifetime in politics",
"info": "The Political Mind of Jerry Brown brings listeners the wisdom of the former Governor, Mayor, and presidential candidate. Scott Shafer interviewed Brown for more than 40 hours, covering the former governor's life and half-century in the political game – and Brown has some lessons he'd like to share. ",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/The-Political-Mind-of-Jerry-Brown-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
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"order": 18
},
"link": "/podcasts/jerrybrown",
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},
"latino-usa": {
"id": "latino-usa",
"title": "Latino USA",
"airtime": "MON 1am-2am, SUN 6pm-7pm",
"info": "Latino USA, the radio journal of news and culture, is the only national, English-language radio program produced from a Latino perspective.",
"imageSrc": "https://ww2.kqed.org/radio/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2018/04/latinoUsa.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "http://latinousa.org/",
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"source": "npr"
},
"link": "/radio/program/latino-usa",
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"apple": "https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?s=143441&mt=2&id=79681317&at=11l79Y&ct=nprdirectory",
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"rss": "https://feeds.npr.org/510016/podcast.xml"
}
},
"marketplace": {
"id": "marketplace",
"title": "Marketplace",
"info": "Our flagship program, helmed by Kai Ryssdal, examines what the day in money delivered, through stories, conversations, newsworthy numbers and more. Updated Monday through Friday at about 3:30 p.m. PT.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 4pm-4:30pm, MON-WED 6:30pm-7pm",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Marketplace-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.marketplace.org/",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "American Public Media"
},
"link": "/radio/program/marketplace",
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"rss": "https://feeds.publicradio.org/public_feeds/marketplace-pm/rss/rss"
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},
"masters-of-scale": {
"id": "masters-of-scale",
"title": "Masters of Scale",
"info": "Masters of Scale is an original podcast in which LinkedIn co-founder and Greylock Partner Reid Hoffman sets out to describe and prove theories that explain how great entrepreneurs take their companies from zero to a gazillion in ingenious fashion.",
"airtime": "Every other Wednesday June 12 through October 16 at 8pm (repeats Thursdays at 2am)",
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"officialWebsiteLink": "https://mastersofscale.com/",
"meta": {
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"source": "WaitWhat"
},
"link": "/radio/program/masters-of-scale",
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"apple": "http://mastersofscale.app.link/",
"rss": "https://rss.art19.com/masters-of-scale"
}
},
"mindshift": {
"id": "mindshift",
"title": "MindShift",
"tagline": "A podcast about the future of learning and how we raise our kids",
"info": "The MindShift podcast explores the innovations in education that are shaping how kids learn. Hosts Ki Sung and Katrina Schwartz introduce listeners to educators, researchers, parents and students who are developing effective ways to improve how kids learn. We cover topics like how fed-up administrators are developing surprising tactics to deal with classroom disruptions; how listening to podcasts are helping kids develop reading skills; the consequences of overparenting; and why interdisciplinary learning can engage students on all ends of the traditional achievement spectrum. This podcast is part of the MindShift education site, a division of KQED News. KQED is an NPR/PBS member station based in San Francisco. You can also visit the MindShift website for episodes and supplemental blog posts or tweet us \u003ca href=\"https://twitter.com/MindShiftKQED\">@MindShiftKQED\u003c/a> or visit us at \u003ca href=\"/mindshift\">MindShift.KQED.org\u003c/a>",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mindshift-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "KQED MindShift: How We Will Learn",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/mindshift/",
"meta": {
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"source": "kqed",
"order": 12
},
"link": "/podcasts/mindshift",
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"google": "https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9mZWVkcy5tZWdhcGhvbmUuZm0vS1FJTkM1NzY0NjAwNDI5",
"npr": "https://www.npr.org/podcasts/464615685/mind-shift-podcast",
"stitcher": "https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/kqed/stories-teachers-share",
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}
},
"morning-edition": {
"id": "morning-edition",
"title": "Morning Edition",
"info": "\u003cem>Morning Edition\u003c/em> takes listeners around the country and the world with multi-faceted stories and commentaries every weekday. Hosts Steve Inskeep, David Greene and Rachel Martin bring you the latest breaking news and features to prepare you for the day.",
"airtime": "MON-FRI 3am-9am",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Morning-Edition-Podcast-Tile-360x360-1.jpg",
"officialWebsiteLink": "https://www.npr.org/programs/morning-edition/",
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"link": "/radio/program/morning-edition"
},
"onourwatch": {
"id": "onourwatch",
"title": "On Our Watch",
"tagline": "Deeply-reported investigative journalism",
"info": "For decades, the process for how police police themselves has been inconsistent – if not opaque. In some states, like California, these proceedings were completely hidden. After a new police transparency law unsealed scores of internal affairs files, our reporters set out to examine these cases and the shadow world of police discipline. On Our Watch brings listeners into the rooms where officers are questioned and witnesses are interrogated to find out who this system is really protecting. Is it the officers, or the public they've sworn to serve?",
"imageSrc": "https://cdn.kqed.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/On-Our-Watch-Podcast-Tile-703x703-1.jpg",
"imageAlt": "On Our Watch from NPR and KQED",
"officialWebsiteLink": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
"meta": {
"site": "news",
"source": "kqed",
"order": 11
},
"link": "/podcasts/onourwatch",
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