Shutdown Clock Ticks as California Braces for Disruptions
Congress Standoff
With just hours left before a possible lapse in federal funding, California officials are warning of widespread impacts if Washington fails to strike a deal. Reporting from CalMatters details how parks, airports and Social Security call centers could feel the pinch first, while about 150,000 federal workers statewide risk furloughs or unpaid duty. Bay Area lawmakers add that the region’s 28 national park units and thousands of low-income residents could also lose key services, according to new estimates released Monday.
CalMatters2026 Governor’s Race
The contest to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom narrowed on Monday when former Senate leader Toni Atkins ended her bid, conceding there was “no viable path” to victory. Her departure, covered by CalMatters, leaves a half-dozen well-known Democrats—among them Katie Porter and Xavier Becerra—in the running. Meanwhile, San Francisco native Betty Yee insists she still sees room to break through, telling the SF Examiner the race remains “wide open.”
CalMattersRent & Housing Policy
As uncertainty grows over federal benefits, lawmakers sent Governor Newsom a bill that would give renters up to six months’ protection if their Social Security checks are delayed. Supporters of the measure, summarized in Assembly Bill 246 coverage, say it could prevent seniors and disabled tenants from sliding into homelessness should a shutdown disrupt payments. Landlord groups argue it shifts financial strain onto small property owners.
CalMattersGetting Around
Rising ridership has BART lengthening trains on its busiest lines, a move that begins today, according to KRON4. The agency is also urging commuters to allow extra time during this week’s wet weather, which can slow service. Separately, autonomous-vehicle issues continue: police pulled over a Waymo robotaxi during a DUI detail, an incident first noted by CBS Bay Area and echoed in SFGATE’s follow-up.
Public Safety & Courts
Bay Area law enforcement is investigating a string of fatalities from the weekend. A solo pickup crash in Palo Alto left one man dead, according to NBC Bay Area, while Oakland police are probing the death of a bicyclist who reportedly failed to stop at a sign, KTVU reports. In Redwood City, three separate agencies are reviewing the in-custody death of a 31-year-old woman inside the county jail, covered by KRON4 and the Mercury News.
Culture & Events
Fleet Week sails back to San Francisco on Saturday with ship tours, concerts and the Blue Angels’ aerial show, per the full schedule from NBC Bay Area. And if you’re hungry, one San Francisco restaurant has made North America’s top-10 list; details in SFGATE’s roundup. Fall festival season is also in full swing, with highlights gathered by KQED.
Bay Area Weather
Today: Patchy drizzle early, then a mix of clouds and sun with highs around 70°F.
Mid-Week: A stronger system arrives late tonight into Wednesday. Expect steady rain—up to a quarter-inch for most spots and higher totals in the North Bay—along with breezy southerly winds. Roads will be slick during the Wednesday morning commute.
Late Week Trend: Showers taper by Thursday morning, giving way to sunnier skies and seasonable highs in the upper 60s to low 70s through the weekend.
Air quality is improving as Oregon wildfire smoke thins, but officials advise keeping an eye on updates if winds shift.