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F1 cars to roar down Marina Boulevard this Saturday

The demonstration will feature Oracle Red Bull Racing reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda.

News

Don&#x27;t be surprised if you see — or hear — some <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Formula 1 cars" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/axios-house-davos-2026-racing-regulation-formulaone-redbull-carlyle" data-vars-content-id="f4e26a41-14d1-48cf-b7cb-9eef17a28dcc" data-vars-headline="F1 cars to roar down Marina Boulevard this Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/23/axios-house-davos-2026-racing-regulation-formulaone-redbull-carlyle" target="_self">Formula 1 cars</a> racing across Marina Boulevard this weekend.Driving the news: Red Bull, the energy drink company known for its extreme sports series, is hosting a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Formula 1 demonstration" data-vars-click-url="https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-showrun-san-fran" data-vars-content-id="f4e26a41-14d1-48cf-b7cb-9eef17a28dcc" data-vars-headline="F1 cars to roar down Marina Boulevard this Saturday" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.redbull.com/us-en/events/red-bull-showrun-san-fran" target="_blank">Formula 1 demonstration</a> on Saturday that guarantees you&#x27;ll feel the adrenaline up close.

SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch

The nearly 100-year-old zoo intends to boost animal care, conservation and public trust.

The San Francisco Zoo named Cassandra Costello as its new CEO on Wednesday, ending a six-month interim period following the retirement of its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="embattled longtime director" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-ceo-tanya-peterson-20406340.php" data-vars-content-id="29f10f61-769c-4688-bf82-4b5af6376d69" data-vars-headline="SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-ceo-tanya-peterson-20406340.php" target="_blank">embattled longtime director</a>.Why it matters: Costello inherits an institution still working to repair its reputation and operations. The zoo has faced years of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public scrutiny and turmoil" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-city-criticism-20354057.php" data-vars-content-id="29f10f61-769c-4688-bf82-4b5af6376d69" data-vars-headline="SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/sf/article/zoo-city-criticism-20354057.php" target="_blank">public scrutiny and turmoil</a> over its management, making her appointment a pivotal moment for the nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100-year-old institution" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfzoo.org/the-history-of-the-san-francisco-zoo/" data-vars-content-id="29f10f61-769c-4688-bf82-4b5af6376d69" data-vars-headline="SF Zoo names Cassandra Costello CEO after turbulent stretch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfzoo.org/the-history-of-the-san-francisco-zoo/" target="_blank">100-year-old institution</a>.

How much Californian families spend on health care

Premiums and deductibles now take a significant share of median family income.

Health insurance costs ate up 11% of median family income in California in 2024, according to a new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" data-vars-content-id="428c78af-8894-4176-9ca9-bba4c3d7548b" data-vars-headline="How much Californian families spend on health care" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.commonwealthfund.org/blog/2026/is-employer-coverage-affordable-how-states-stack-up" target="_blank">analysis</a>. Why it matters: The findings show how tough it can be to afford health care, even with insurance, for many of the estimated 167 million Americans who get coverage through an employer.

Alysa Liu's journey from Oakland ice to Olympic gold

Fans are calling for the Bay Area to host a parade for the 20-year-old skater after her gold medal win in Milan.

Sports

The Bay Area erupted in raucous cheers this week after hometown hero Alysa Liu ended a 24-year U.S. drought in women&#x27;s figure skating at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Milan Olympics" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" data-vars-content-id="9538a457-a674-4ff7-b1fd-8882e4b52fde" data-vars-headline="Alysa Liu&#x27;s journey from Oakland ice to Olympic gold" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/04/olympic-village-2026-milan-cortina" target="_self">Milan Olympics</a>.Why it matters: Liu, a Richmond native who grew up skating in Oakland and San Francisco, is bringing home gold as the first American Olympic champion since Sarah Hughes in 2002.

Yosemite drops reservations amid mounting environmental, traffic concerns

The rollback follows a nationwide push to widen park access despite staffing losses.

Bay Area campers planning a trip to Yosemite National Park this summer may need to brace for bigger crowds — the park is scrapping its reservation requirement for 2026.Why it matters: The policy shift marks a departure from when timed-entry reservations were used to manage overcrowding at one of the nation&#x27;s most popular parks, known for its stunning waterfalls and granite cliffs.

Why PG&E's cheaper rates won't help many in San Francisco

Most San Francisco residents won't see savings — and grid costs are still rising.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pacific Gas &amp; Electric" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/12/california-utility-pge-to-pay-55-million-wildfires" data-vars-content-id="b9646fb8-9796-4ad8-94cf-9bdfced5c637" data-vars-headline="Why PG&amp;E&#x27;s cheaper rates won&#x27;t help many in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/04/12/california-utility-pge-to-pay-55-million-wildfires" target="_self">Pacific Gas &amp; Electric</a> announced lower electricity <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rates for 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx" data-vars-content-id="b9646fb8-9796-4ad8-94cf-9bdfced5c637" data-vars-headline="Why PG&amp;E&#x27;s cheaper rates won&#x27;t help many in San Francisco" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://investor.pgecorp.com/news-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2025/PGE-to-Lower-Electric-Prices-on-Jan--1-Fourth-Decrease-in-Two-Years/default.aspx" target="_blank">rates for 2026</a>, but San Francisco customers likely won&#x27;t see much difference on their utility bills, analysts say.The big picture: The 5% bill decrease applies to customers who buy power directly from the utility, but most San Franciscans get electricity from a city-run provider.

Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures

Temperatures could dip into the 30s with frost possible in parts of the Bay Area.

If you&#x27;re planning any outdoor activities in the next few days, you might want to layer up more than normal.The big picture: Most of the Bay Area is under a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cold weather advisory" data-vars-click-url="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&amp;wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory" data-vars-content-id="b775ea2e-78e0-4be5-88ce-48620b0bce0d" data-vars-headline="Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=MTR&amp;wwa=cold%20weather%20advisory" target="_blank">cold weather advisory</a> issued by the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures could dip into the 30s in parts of San Francisco, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SFGATE notes" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-temperatures-freezing-21283541.php" data-vars-content-id="b775ea2e-78e0-4be5-88ce-48620b0bce0d" data-vars-headline="Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfgate.com/weather/article/bay-area-temperatures-freezing-21283541.php" target="_blank">SFGATE notes</a>.

Bay Area revives Clean Cars for All with $10 million boost

Low-income Bay Area residents can now get thousands toward an EV, zero‑emission motorcycle or e-bike.

A program designed to help Bay Area residents ditch their older, polluting vehicles in favor of zero-emission alternatives has been revived with $10 million in state and local funding.Why it matters: The Clean Cars for All relaunch offers a significant opportunity for low-income drivers to obtain an EV at a more affordable price.

California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide

Thousands of fires have burned more than 500,000 acres this year.

Environment

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wildfire season" data-vars-click-url="https://link.axios.com/click/41447270.80/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3BvcnRsYW5kL3dpbGRmaXJlcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B818bb085" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://link.axios.com/click/41447270.80/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYXhpb3MuY29tL2xvY2FsL3BvcnRsYW5kL3dpbGRmaXJlcz91dG1fc291cmNlPW5ld3NsZXR0ZXImdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249c2VuZHRvX2xvY2FsbmV3c2xldHRlcnRlc3Qmc3RyZWFtPXRvcA/673d6f07cfc5ece025011323B818bb085" target="_self">Wildfire season</a> is raging across much of California, with blazes closing off some national forests and prompting evacuations.State of play: 6,844 wildfires have burned across the state since January, according to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Cal Fire" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents" target="_blank">Cal Fire</a>, with 517,341 acres burned so far this year — already half of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nearly 1.1 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024" data-vars-content-id="458f9777-c186-4dcb-9d2a-3b4560c02ac9" data-vars-headline="California faces intensifying wildfire season as blazes spread statewide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2024" target="_blank">nearly 1.1 million</a> acres scorched in 2024.

SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps

Gas use in buildings makes up 44% of San Francisco's total carbon emissions.

San Francisco is moving to eliminate natural gas in buildings that undergo major revamps as part of a broader push to curb carbon emissions.Why it matters: San Francisco can&#x27;t meet its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2040 net-zero goal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfclimateplan.org/" data-vars-content-id="e4912c7f-556e-4511-b67b-215c59f48dcd" data-vars-headline="SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfclimateplan.org/" target="_blank">2040 net-zero goal</a> without phasing out gas use in buildings, which <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="accounts for 44%" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sfenvironment.org/carbonfootprint" data-vars-content-id="e4912c7f-556e-4511-b67b-215c59f48dcd" data-vars-headline="SF considers natural gas ban in major building revamps" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sfenvironment.org/carbonfootprint" target="_blank">accounts for 44%</a> of the city&#x27;s carbon emissions.

SF offers $1,200 in bill credits for efficient water heater upgrades

Heat pump water heaters are up to seven times more efficient than a gas-powered water heater, city officials say.

A new city program encourages <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="San Francisco residents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/22/sf-climate-week-reduce-carbon-footprint" data-vars-content-id="72514022-7043-4c88-ba28-dca4c62a4a28" data-vars-headline="SF offers $1,200 in bill credits for efficient water heater upgrades" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/04/22/sf-climate-week-reduce-carbon-footprint" target="_self">San Francisco residents</a> to upgrade to clean, efficient water heaters by offering bill credits of up to $1,200.Why it matters: Heat pumps are up to seven times more efficient than a gas-powered water heater and reduce exposure to pollution and fire risk, city officials say.

The long haul gull: Hitching an 80-mile truck ride to find food

Researchers say it's the first recorded case of a seagull using a vehicle for transport while foraging.

Sometimes, we could all use a ride — even the ones among us that fly. State of play: In a quirky first, a GPS-tracked seagull was discovered hitching a ride on a long-haul garbage truck from a waste transfer station in San Francisco to an outdoor compost facility in the Central Valley, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="study" data-vars-click-url="https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-48/issue-1/063.048.0101/The-First-GPS-Observation-of-a-Western-Gull-Larus-occidentalis/10.1675/063.048.0101.short" data-vars-content-id="3a09004b-f9f6-48c3-9a7e-495661baaad4" data-vars-headline="The long haul gull: Hitching an 80-mile truck ride to find food" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bioone.org/journals/waterbirds/volume-48/issue-1/063.048.0101/The-First-GPS-Observation-of-a-Western-Gull-Larus-occidentalis/10.1675/063.048.0101.short" target="_blank">study</a> published by The Waterbird Society.

SF summers are becoming hotter, longer and more dangerous

We now have 28 hotter-than-normal summer days compared to 1970.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hotter summers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/06/earth-hottest-summer-globe" data-vars-content-id="670b1451-40c0-45bd-9d78-18b1a5dce1d6" data-vars-headline="SF summers are becoming hotter, longer and more dangerous" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/06/earth-hottest-summer-globe" target="_self">Hotter summers</a> are one of the most tangible ways we&#x27;re experiencing climate change. San Francisco isn&#x27;t exempt. Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Higher temperatures" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" data-vars-content-id="670b1451-40c0-45bd-9d78-18b1a5dce1d6" data-vars-headline="SF summers are becoming hotter, longer and more dangerous" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/energy-climate/climate-change" target="_self">Higher temperatures</a> pose health risks for vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, the elderly and homeless people and ramp up the likelihood of extreme heat effects and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="wildfires" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/19/fire-weather-worsening-california" data-vars-content-id="670b1451-40c0-45bd-9d78-18b1a5dce1d6" data-vars-headline="SF summers are becoming hotter, longer and more dangerous" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/san-francisco/2025/05/19/fire-weather-worsening-california" target="_self">wildfires</a>.

California to sue over federal attempt to revoke EV mandate

The lawsuit marks the 23rd time the state has challenged President Trump in court just five months into his second term.

In another swift rebuke of the Trump administration, California officials announced Thursday they plan to sue the federal government over the U.S. Senate&#x27;s decision to revoke a waiver allowing the state to set its own air quality standards.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Senate&#x27;s action" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/energy-policy/2025/05/22/senate-nixes-california-car-emission-rules-after-procedural-spat" data-vars-content-id="e5b6e398-e5a2-48e9-9d09-37be08b11c10" data-vars-headline="California to sue over federal attempt to revoke EV mandate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/energy-policy/2025/05/22/senate-nixes-california-car-emission-rules-after-procedural-spat" target="_self">Senate&#x27;s action</a> on Thursday to block California&#x27;s emissions rules has the potential to jeopardize the long-term future of U.S. auto markets and the state&#x27;s 2035 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ban on new gas cars" data-vars-click-url="https://calmatters.org/environment/2022/08/electric-cars-california-to-phase-out-gas-cars/" data-vars-content-id="e5b6e398-e5a2-48e9-9d09-37be08b11c10" data-vars-headline="California to sue over federal attempt to revoke EV mandate" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://calmatters.org/environment/2022/08/electric-cars-california-to-phase-out-gas-cars/" target="_blank">ban on new gas cars</a>.

🌡️ How winter is warming in California

How winter is warming in California

A symbol map of the U.S. showing the change in average winter temperatures from 1970 to 2025. Burlington, Vt. leads at +8.1 °F, while a few places have cooled, including Eureka, Calif. (-1.3 °F).

Climate 🌿

Yosemite drops reservations amid mounting environmental, traffic concerns

Why PG&E's cheaper rates won't help many in San Francisco

Bay Area braces for near-freezing temperatures

How winter is warming in California

Bay Area revives Clean Cars for All with $10 million boost