Local Politics · Alameda County
Early returns from Tuesday's election showed voters across five Bay Area counties supporting a regional sales tax measure (RTM) that would fund public transit agencies facing severe deficits. As of 9 p.m., 61.4% of counted votes favored the measure, which proposes a half-cent sales tax in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo and Santa Clara counties and a one-cent tax in San Francisco starting April 2027. The measure would raise an estimated $980 million annually for 14 years to support BART, Muni, Caltrain, AC Transit, VTA, SF Bay Ferry and Golden Gate Transit. Without passage, BART has announced that 10 low-ridership stations—including Castro Valley, South Hayward, West Dublin/Pleasanton and Oakland International Airport—could close as early as January 2027. Opponents favor pausing projects like Valley Link and the San Jose BART extension rather than imposing a new tax.
Public Safety · San Francisco County
The National Weather Service issued an updated coastal flood advisory for San Francisco County effective Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 6 a.m. through Monday, Nov. 9 at 1 p.m. Up to 1.6 feet of inundation above ground level is possible in low-lying areas near shorelines and tidal waterways, with peak high tides reaching 7.4 feet MLLW on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The advisory warns of flooding of low-lying infrastructure, isolated road closures, coastal erosion, and restricted beach access due to enhanced astronomical tides and up to 1.2 feet of surge. Residents in flood-prone areas are urged to seek higher ground, avoid driving through water, and protect flood-prone property.
Social Events · San Francisco, CA
The Golden State Valkyries will hold a championship parade through downtown San Francisco on Wednesday, November 4, starting at the Ferry Building, traveling along The Embarcadero and ending at King and 2nd Street. Festivities run from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., with fans invited to line up on the bay side of The Embarcadero beginning at 9 a.m. San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee, and San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan are expected to attend alongside team president Jess Smith. The Valkyries clinched their first title on Halloween night with a Game 7 victory over the Atlanta Dream, becoming the quickest expansion team in major North American sports to win a championship in an established league.
Local Politics
California voters decided all 52 U.S. House seats in the Nov. 3, 2026 midterm elections, with results determining party control of the chamber for two years. Districts were redrawn under Proposition 50, reshaping races from Sacramento to San Diego. Notable contests included the 7th District race between Rep. Doris Matsui and Sacramento City Councilmember Mai Vang, the 13th District matchup in Stockton between Rep. Adam Gray and former Mayor Kevin Lincoln, and the 11th District contest for the seat vacated by Nancy Pelosi. Vote-by-mail ballots postmarked by Election Day may be counted if received by Nov. 10; counties must certify results by Dec. 3, and the secretary of state by Dec. 11.
Community brief · San Francisco, CA
The Golden State Valkyries won Game 7 of the WNBA Finals over Atlanta on Saturday night at Chase Center, claiming their first championship in the franchise's second season. GM Ohemaa Nyanin reflected on the win Tuesday and discussed upcoming roster decisions involving four free agents whose futures will be resolved after free agency begins in January. Questions remain about Sixth Player of the Year Janelle Salaun, who was benched for most of the…
