The storm is expected to bring at least 1½ inches of rain to much of the Bay Area, and perhaps totals in excess of 2 inches in the North Bay and coastal ranges, according to the National Weather Service. The full onslaught for the first showers to reach the region was expected Thursday afternoon or evening.

“We’ve got the cold front knocking on the North Bay’s door,” meteorologist Dalton Behringer said Thursday afternoon. “It’s gonna come on in and then cover the whole region.”

Some rain fell early Thursday, but barely any of it was measurable by noon. Up to one-tenth of an inch fell in Marin County and areas of the Peninsula saw about five-hundredths of an inch.

But more was coming.

“After (the main band) goes through (Thursday), we will have scattered showers into Friday,” Behringer said. ” Then on Friday, we’re going to get another heavier push.”

Weather forecasters also expect at least 5 to 12 feet of snow to fall above 5,000 feet. Authorities urged anyone not already in the mountains not to go and said roads and highways are likely to be shut down.

A blizzard warning issued Tuesday for the Northern and Central Sierra Nevada went into effect at 4 a.m. Thursday and was set to last until 10 a.m. Sunday. The warning affects Lassen and Shasta counties, as well as Lake Tahoe to Tuolumne and Mono counties near Yosemite National Park.

PG&E in a statement said it was pre-staging crews and materials to tackle power outages that the storm may bring and that they are prepared to use helicopters, snowcats and vehicles with four-wheel drive to gain access to areas that need repair. Still, they said customers in remote areas “should prepare for extended outages given the unique circumstances of this storm.”

Early Thursday, widespread power outages affected the west San Jose and Campbell areas from south of Interstate 280  in the Meridian area over to south of I-280 at Bascom and south. Power also went out at one business corner of Hamilton Avenue and Bascom Avenue.

Power outages in Woodside, Redwood City and Campbell also had up to 500 customers in the dark in each of those stories, according to the utility.

The storms have been generated by a large low-pressure system that’s descending from the Gulf of Alaska and bringing cold air with it. Low temperatures are expected to dip daily until they go into the 30s in most places in the East Bay by Saturday night into Sunday morning.

Temperatures are expected to bottom out in the low 40s in San Jose.

The storm also is expected to bring wind gusts that could get as high as 40 mph. A high-surf advisory also is likely, according to the weather service.

1 WATCH : The ‘Dune’ we deserve

“Dune: Part 2” is finally in theaters and all we can say is, wow!

2 PLAY: Magic mustard season

It’s that time of the year in Napa when mustard blooms cast those rolling hills in a beautiful golden glow — but that’s not the only reason to visit the wine country these days.

3 DINE: Check out an exciting new seafood restaurant

Newly opened Hurrica Restaurant in Redwood City welcomes visitors by land or sea with first-rate seafood and a flashy jellyfish aquarium. We checked it out recently and here are our thoughts.

4 MAKE & SCARF: Umami bombs away

These crispy, healthy and utterly addictive lettuce wraps are so easy and quick to make, you won’t believe your tastebuds.

5 SEE & HEAR: Great shows are all over

From Smuin Ballet reviving two of its greatest hits to a “Magic Flute” in Livermore and free tunes at a beloved old bandshell, there are a lot of great shows and concerts to catch this weekend.

6 WATCH: A ‘Shogun’ for a new generation

James Clavell’s epic and compelling novel has been adapted for TV again, and this version is even better than the classic 1980 one.

7 PLAY: A hot, hot, hot new game

“Helldivers 2” is taking the video game world by storm — here’s why.

Walt Disney World will raise its cheapest $109 one-day, one-park ticket to $119 in 2025, raising the cost of the lowest-priced ticket that has remained unchanged since 2018, according to the Washington Post.

Which raises the obvious question: Will Disneyland follow Disney World’s lead and hike prices on its cheapest tickets?

ALSO SEE: Disneyland closes 4 attractions during busy festival season

A similar 9% increase would raise Disneyland’s $104 rock bottom priced tickets to $114.

There are no changes to Disneyland Resort ticket prices at this time, according to Disneyland officials.

Disney World’s latest price hike was revealed when the Florida theme park resort extended its ticket calendar through October 2025. Disneyland’s calendar only stretches through August of this year at the moment.

ALSO SEE: Mickey Mouse makes 36% more at Disneyland than at Disney World

Like its East Coast sister parks, Disneyland has kept its cheapest tickets steady at $104 since 2019 while consistently raising prices each year on higher-tiered tickets.

Disneyland’s latest round of hikes late last year raised the highest cost ticket to $194 while holding the price of the cheapest daily ticket at $104 for a single park.

Disneyland raised ticket prices in October of 2021, 2022 and 2023 after holding prices steady when the parks first emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Anaheim theme park has kept ticket prices on its cheapest days at around $100 for a decade. One-day, one-park admission to Disneyland or Disney California Adventure was $92 in 2013, $96 in 2014 and $99 in 2015.

In 2016, Disneyland broke the $100 barrier with a new three-tiered pricing system with tickets costing $95, $105 and $119 depending on anticipated crowd sizes. Since then, the number of tiers has increased and the price of the most expensive tickets has steadily climbed.

ALSO SEE: Universal Studios Hollywood offers 15% discounts on annual passes

Disneyland and Disney World don’t always operate in concert with each other.

Operations vary at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort because each market is different, guests visit and experience the parks in different ways and offerings are unique at each destination, according to Disneyland officials.

A recent study conducted by trip-planning website TripIt reveals that pop culture-inspired travel is set to double in the coming year, with younger generations leading the trend. When we talk of pop culture trips, that might encompass anything from traveling to attend a concert in another city or country to taking a “set-jetting” trip to see the overseas filming locations of a favorite movie or TV series.

In a survey of a representative group of 1,000 Americans, TripIt found that twice as many participants are planning on taking pop culture trips in 2024 than did in 2023 (40% vs. 22%), underscoring a growing trend among U.S. travelers.

Younger generations are at the forefront of this shift, with 41% of Gen Zers and 32% of Millennials having taken a pop culture-related trip over the past year, while only 17% of Gen Xers and 7% of Boomers said the same. And those figures are continuing to rise, with 59% of Gen Zers and 58% of Millennials planning a pop culture trip within the coming year, while Gen Xers trail at 35% and Boomers at 19%.

The research also uncovered a correlation between income levels and the likelihood that people will embark on pop culture escapades. Respondents who earn less than $50K per year were found to be more than twice as likely to plan a pop culture trip, while higher-income individuals ($100K+) are only 1.5 times more inclined to do so.

This inclination towards pop culture travel isn’t just a solitary pursuit; it’s a social experience. Approximately 86% of respondents expressed a desire to share their pop culture travel experiences with friends or family, highlighting the communal aspect of these journeys. The survey further revealed that having a companion — whether a friend or family member (41%) or romantic partner (16%) — significantly impacts the decision to embark on a pop culture-inspired getaway, with nearly half (48%) of participants emphasizing the importance of shared experiences that money can’t buy.

Interestingly, music emerges as a prime motivator for pop culture travel. Concerts and music festivals top the list of pop culture activities, attracting 66% of those who have taken pop culture trips in the past year. And more than half of survey respondents (56%) plan on traveling to attend a music event in the near future.

Beyond concert and music festival events, pop culture trips are largely being taken to experience sporting events (43%); locations from a movie, TV show or book (28%); and viral social media locations (16%).

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour is proving to be a key driver for travel plans in 2024, garnering interest from 39% of respondents who said they would travel to see one of her shows this year. Festivals like Coachella and Lollapalooza also hold significant appeal, particularly among Gen Zers (56%) and Millennials (60%), although Gen Xers (35%) and Boomers (21%) are also tempted to a lesser degree.

Notably, nearly all travelers (94%) who took pop culture trips last year said that the memories they made during their travels lived up to the hype. This may not be as wholesome a sentiment as it initially sounds, though, since their reasons for saying so are less personal than prompted by perceived social standing.

©2024 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. Visit at travelpulse.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

It comes from an inland pit that outcrops onto the beach, and still oozes and glistens today. It was mined by the native Chumash people to waterproof their plank-built boats, and the carpentry of their village inspired 18th century Spanish explorers when they renamed the area.

On a clear day you can see oil rigs out in the ocean, but they are dwarfed by the outlines of several of the Channel Islands beyond. A total of eight make up the archipelago, and they are explored at the new Chrisman Channel Islands Center, which officially opens to the public April 4.

“We hope to expand to include all the islands right down to Baja California,” says executive director Emily Duncan, explaining that the center was the long-time goal of the Santa Cruz Island Foundation and especially Marla Daily, who has spent decades writing and researching islapedia.com, a website of more than 2,000 people whose lives intersected with the islands.

The center showcases a variety of artifacts from and about the islands, plus the industries based there in the past and present: cattle raising, wine-making, fishing, seal hunting and pottery, as well as tourism, art and even military use.

Outside, the native plant garden is dotted with sculpture, including metal benches in the shape and proportionate size of the islands. Santa Barbara Island is barely enough for a toddler to sit on.

There is also a statue of Juana Maria, the “Lone Woman” of San Nicholas Island and inspiration for “Island of the Blue Dolphins,” plus the Octopus’s Garden, which features a huge granite cephalopod, and donated whale bones and fossilized stones found on the islands.

The center is located at the top of Linden Avenue, the main street that leads all the way down to the ocean. On Linden you’ll find tourist-friendly stores and coffee shops, but also frozen bananas at Robitaille’s, our favorite lunch place The Cork Tree, and old-school seafood joint Little Dom’s.

Also on Linden is the new Lantern Tree Books, which is located where Carpinteria’s first library opened in 1910. Lest you forget, it has a “world’s safest beach” mural on the side wall.

Right by the tiny Amtrak Station is The Spot, a burgers and milkshake shack, and you can go on towards the beach, or instead turn left into the 62-acre State Park, and take the 20-30 min walk past the RV park along the bluffs of the Nature Preserve towards the Seal Sanctuary.

From high above you look down on dozens of harbor seals lazing on the sand, and in the winter it’s a rookery for newborns. There are further hikes around, but instead turn back toward town and take a detour off the trail at Palm Avenue to visit Santa Barbara Hives and buy some avocado honey, or a charcoal sourdough sandwich — before they sell out.

We have visited Carpinteria many times, and find that it’s not too tiring to combine a walk along the bluffs, which are dotted with twisted, wind-blown trees, with a lazy walk along the white sands. The beach is great for finding sea glass and shells, and you’ll often see dolphins swimming, and pelicans flying overhead.

These places — and popping in to see Wayne at Angel Antiques, which is always bursting with retro pieces and surfing artifacts — are always on our list, but more recently we have made discoveries off the main drag.

After asking the locals, I found that many of them tend to gravitate towards a relatively anonymous industrial-looking area known as The Lot, which is near the 101 Exit from Santa Barbara at the western end of Carpinteria Avenue.

Within a few steps of each other behind gray/black storefronts are several businesses including the friendly and innovative BrewLab, a taproom which is celebrating 10 years of making unique but often delicious beers.

On the walls are portraits by local artist Ruairi Bateson, who was at the bar enjoying a drink during our visit, and advised us on a flight of eclectic IPAs. “You can’t go wrong with anything here,” he promised.

Next to BrewLAB is the Rincon Mountain Winery, the only one located in Carpinteria.

Inside, one wall is stacked floor-to-ceiling with old vinyl, which is played behind the bar on turntables. There’s a heavy accent on jazz, blues and big band, but also plenty of 1960s, ’70s and ’80s staples.

Christian Baker, brother of co-owner Jill Siple, poured a sample of Salvadorean red and explained that they recently branched out into small, 90-gallon batches of beer named Smoke Mountain in tribute to what the original Chumash people called Rincon Mountain.

He steps outside, and points into the distance. “That’s Rincon Mountain. We make our beer there too, and we’re moving into cider.”

A real secret — one that I was first told by Dennis Mitchell, the man behind Carpinteria Valley Radio, and then by several others — was that a man named Luis makes family-recipe frozen and baked Argentinian empanadas at Che Empanadas, which is behind BrewLAB.

He is only there on Friday and Saturday, but knock on the door and he will tell you how to cook, hold and eat them. Otherwise, you can order them at BrewLAB, Rincon, and from nearby Apiary, a brewery that makes gluten-free mead, kombucha, and other honey-based beverages.

Round the corner — literally — from Rincon is Sade, a Turkish coffee shop owned by Istanbul-born Ali, who excitedly explains the way to make the best coffee, and how he started out selling baklava.

Bonbons, truffles and chocolates, an ideal complement to the coffee, are a few yards away at the French Chocolats du CaliBressan, and with the beach always close at hand, no wonder Mitchell, who moved here a couple of years ago, simply says:

“I love this town so much it flows.”

If you’re planning a visit, have a look at the Facebook Group for “Carpinteria — the World’s Safest Beach”, and you’ll see pictures from beach combers, sunset-chasers and dog lovers.

One last tip: petroleum jelly gets the tar off your feet!

Universal Studios Hollywood is offering discounts through April 10 on new annual passes and renewals that will save you anywhere from $10 to $94.

New passholders can save 6% to 8% on annual and season passes during the sale when purchasing online.

The $629 Platinum Annual Pass is reduced by $50 during the six-week deal. The savings are lower on the $329 Gold Annual Pass ($20 off), $239 Silver Annual Pass ($15 off) and $179 California Neighbor Pass ($10 off).

Existing passholders save 15% when they renew — knocking $94 off the Platinum pass, $49 off the Gold pass, $36 off the Silver pass and $27 off the California season pass.

The top-of-the-line Platinum annual pass has no blackout dates and free parking plus a daily Universal Express skip-the-line pass and a free Halloween Horror Nights ticket.

The Gold annual pass is good 325 days a year and comes with free parking.

The Silver annual pass (275 days) and the California Neighbor Pass (150 days) are good fewer days of the year.

“If people are not already up here by Thursday morning, do not come,” said Andrew Schwartz, lead scientist at the UC Central Sierra Snow Lab at Donner Summit near Lake Tahoe. “It’s a shelter-in-place situation. People up here are buying fuel today for backup generators and boarding up their windows. It’s like watching people prepare for a hurricane.”

On Tuesday, the National Weather Service issued a blizzard warning — its first of the year — for the Northern and Central Sierra Nevada. The warning extends from 4 a.m. Thursday to 10 a.m. Sunday from Lassen and Shasta counties through Lake Tahoe to Tuolumne and Mono counties near Yosemite National Park.

Snow will begin falling Thursday, and become most extreme on Friday at amounts of 2 to 4 inches an hour, posing “near to impossible” conditions for drivers, winds up to 65 mph and power outages, the National Weather Service warned, with extended road closures possible on Interstate 80 and Highway 50, the main two routes that Bay Area residents use to go to Lake Tahoe area ski resorts.

“This will be the coldest system of the season so far, with the most snow,” said Courtney Carpenter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Sacramento.

Donner Pass along I-80 is expected to get 6 to 8 feet of new snow through Sunday.

“It’s really going to be dangerous to impossible to travel over the weekend,” she added.

The Bay Area will be spared much of the fury from the storm, a cold low-pressure system moving in from the Gulf of Alaska. Moderate rain is forecast Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with about half an inch expected each day for most Bay Area cities before dry conditions return Sunday and Monday.

An inch or two of snow could fall on some of the Bay Area’s highest peaks by Saturday, including Mount Hamilton and Mount Diablo, forecasters said.

The powerful blizzard is the latest and most dramatic example of a winter that started slow but has steadily increased, improving California’s water picture with every passing week, and all but guaranteeing that there will be few, if any water restrictions this summer for most communities in the state.

On Jan. 1, the statewide Sierra snowpack — the source of nearly one-third of California’s water supply — was just 28% of its historical average. After a wet February, it rebounded in two months to 82% on Tuesday. That number is very likely to go above 100% by Monday.

“We definitely started the winter off on the warmer and drier side,” said Jeanine Jones, interstate resources manager for the California Department of Water Resources. “Then things started picking up. The month of February was a big help in moving the snowpack numbers along.”

Californians have suffered through serious droughts in eight of the past 12 years. The dry conditions, exacerbated by climate change, have brought heat waves, urban and farm water restrictions and huge wildfires over the last decade.

The state’s most recent drought, from 2020 to 2022, ended last year when dozens of atmospheric river storms left the Sierra Nevada with its biggest snowpack in 40 years. Those storms, and the melting snow, also filled reservoirs around the state, many of which remain at high levels now.

On Tuesday, Shasta and Oroville, the two largest reservoirs in California, and linchpins of the water supply for more than 20 million people from the Bay Area to San Diego, each were 84% full.

“As we get later into the spring, the flood-control requirements will be lifted and reservoirs will be storing snowmelt runoff,” she said.

The wet February has also sent precipitation levels in Northern and Southern California to healthy totals. On Tuesday, San Jose was at 130% of its historical rainfall average for late February, San Francisco was at 116%, Sacramento was at 106% and Oakland was at 86%.

Farther south, Santa Barbara was at 159% of normal rainfall, Los Angeles 170% and San Diego 138%.

Heavy storms in recent weeks have created a temporary lake in Death Valley, usually the hottest spot in the United States. The waist-deep lake has drawn tourists with kayaks and paddle boards, creating a rare scene on the site of Lake Manly, a former lake in the low-lying Badwater Basin in Death Valley National Park that evaporated tens of thousands of years ago.

So far, the winter has unfolded in a very advantageous way statewide, Schwartz said. Flooding has been minimal, and two back-to-back winters with above-average to average rainfall mean drought conditions aren’t in the cards for 2024.

“This is the year that we wanted to have after last year,” he said. “We aren’t looking at such a deep snow pack that it is going to pose flooding issues. And we aren’t looking at a moisture deficit. It’s kind of the best of both worlds.”

SAN DIEGO — Few places are as vast and ever-changing as the desert, where the landscape shifts with the seasons and life impressively thrives in a hostile environment.

One of the best ways to enjoy this dynamic is by camping. In Southern California, State Parks protects more than 600,000 acres of land in Anza-Borrego — the largest state park in California. The months from roughly November to April are considered the desert season, when visitors can avoid extreme heat during the day and catch potential wildflower blooms.

“Each part of the park is really unique and there are so many different types of things you can see,” said Samantha Young, the education manager at the Anza-Borrego Foundation, pointing to features such as dunes, badlands and palm oases. “It even goes up into the mountains in some portions.”

Along with its size and diversity, Anza-Borrego provides an uncommon experience for visitors: camping is permitted nearly everywhere in the park, as long as the site is set up a safe distance off a road.

It’s also considered a “trailless park,” Young said, meaning that hikers don’t have to be on a trail while they’re out exploring. There are still several designated campgrounds and hiking trails, though.

Desert camping can also be a great introduction for first-time campers, Young said, since it’s easy to find a flat surface to pitch a tent and there aren’t constant flies or mosquitoes.

“We do have plenty of insects and wildlife, but it doesn’t feel like it’s in your face,” she said.

Here’s what else to know about camping in the Anza-Borrego desert.

Where to camp

Desert camping will look different depending on the kind of experience visitors are seeking. There are designated campgrounds, which can cost around $30 per night, plus more primitive sites and dispersed camping, which are free options. Visitors should decide which type of camping they want to do, then review a map to determine where in the park they want to explore.

Each style of camping has its benefits. In reporting this story, the home base was Agua Caliente County Park, an organized campground with tent and RV campsites, cabins with air conditioning and heat, bathrooms with showers and even an amphitheater where the park sometimes hosts educational presentations.

Other designated campgrounds include Vallecito County Park, as well as campgrounds such as Borrego Palm Canyon and Tamarisk Grove that can be booked through the State Parks reservations website.

But a trip over to Blair Valley made it clear why primitive camping is preferable for many campers; despite fewer amenities, it’s more peaceful and the campsites are large. These campgrounds, which include others like Bow Willow, are often first come, first served, and in some cases, campers will need to bring their own fire rings, since ground fires are prohibited in the park.

If visitors are interested in dispersed camping, which is done on public lands outside of a designated campground, Young said it’s important to “do your homework first” and read up on the park’s resources and road conditions. She also emphasizes the importance of leaving no trace when back country camping.

“This is always an awkward subject, but in the desert, it’s recommended that you pack in and pack out everything, including human waste,” she said. “In many places, you go to the bathroom in the forest and you bury it, but it doesn’t disintegrate in the same way in the desert.”

Desert camping safety

Even in the desert’s winter, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather. While daytime temperatures will likely be mild — in mid-January, the highs were in the 60s — they can drop by about 20 degrees at night, which is uncomfortable without proper clothing and gear. Check the forecast for rain before heading out, as well.

The desert is — naturally — very dry, so it’s wise to bring a lip balm or moisturizer for the skin. It’s also known for its high winds in the afternoons and evenings, Young said. Campers may find it difficult to sleep at night with wind rustling a tent and nearby vegetation, but it also can be hazardous if gear starts flying around, especially if there’s a nearby campfire.

Before going to sleep, secure anything that could be picked up by the wind, such as camp chairs, and put out a campfire. If tent camping, stake the tent into the ground or put rocks inside to make it heavier. Young also recommends setting the tent next to a hillside or behind a vehicle to create a protective barrier from the wind.

She also reminds campers to watch road conditions, which can shift with the rain and wind. And even without the weather, some desert roads require four-wheel drive.

“The road is very soft and sandy,” she said. “It’s always a good idea for people to be aware of the road in advance and know the capabilities of their car because people get stuck a lot.”

Find more winter camping tips from the State Parks here.

Hiking in the area

Campers can set out on a hike from anywhere in Anza-Borrego, with treks lasting from less than an hour to daylong adventures and backpacking trips. Even in the winter, bring a sufficient amount of water — about half a liter per hour is recommended for moderate activity in moderate temperatures — and use a compass or a map of the area to avoid getting lost.

Hiking in the desert also requires adaptability; it can be easy to get off trail and road conditions may prevent hikers from reaching their trailhead of choice. Note that dogs are not allowed on trails in the park and must be kept on a leash in campgrounds and on park roads.

Many hiking trails start in or near campgrounds. For example, the Moonlight Canyon Trail, a 1.6-mile easy-to-moderate loop, starts at Agua Caliente County Park and takes hikers through the shady Moonlight Canyon before traversing behind a mountain.

Then there’s the Marshal South Trail, a 2-mile moderate out-and-back hike on the southern side of Blair Valley. The trail climbs to the top of the 3,200-foot Ghost Mountain, where the writer and artist Marshal South moved with his wife in 1930. Hikers can tour the remnants of their home, which they called Yaquitepec, where they lived for 16 years and raised three children, using supplies they hauled up the mountain.

Nearby areas and attractions

Hiking isn’t the only activity to do on an Anza-Borrego camping trip.

The desert and Borrego Springs — a small town located on the northern side of the park — are some of the best places to stargaze, since the state park is an International Dark-Sky Park and Borrego Springs is a designated Dark Sky Community.

In Borrego Springs, visitors will also find several restaurants, a farmers market on Fridays and Galleta Meadows, a sculpture park with giant metal prehistoric animals and creatures made by artist Ricardo Breceda.

Campers can also enjoy natural geothermal springs at Agua Caliente County Park, where there are three pools, free to Agua Caliente campers and $3 for a day pass.

Plus, starting around late February, there will be a chance to see the desert’s wildflower blooms. While this is a sight for all visitors, it’s an especially nice time to camp and spend some extended time in the park.

If all else fails, a simple drive along the county route S-2, which runs through the state park, is nearly guaranteed to deliver on beautiful scenery and history. The road dates to the 1700s, according to the Federal Highway Administration, when it was a dirt trail used by Spaniards, then later as a Mexican mail route in the 19th century and first paved in 1929.

Flora and fauna

Along with wildflower blooms in late winter, the Anza-Borrego desert also has incredible plants year round.

Keep an eye out for cactus, primarily cholla, “one of the most iconic plants in Anza-Borrego and the southwest region of the United States,” Young said. Worldwide, there are more than 30 different types of cholla cacti, and in the Anza-Borrego, it’s common to see jumping cholla, or teddy bear cholla, named after its fuzzy appearance.

Cholla branches may fall from the plant onto the desert floor, where they can eventually root and reproduce, so it’s best to wear sturdy hiking shoes to avoid a painful run-in. The barbs attach securely if brushed up against, so use tweezers, pliers or a rock to detach them if you fall prey.

In terms of wildlife, campers may hear coyotes yipping in the distance or crossing a road and see birds like roadrunners scurrying through a campground, rattlesnakes and smaller critters, like lizards and rodents. (Campers should put away their food at night, such as in their vehicle, so rodents can’t snack on it while they sleep, Young advised.)

There’s also the chance to see the endangered peninsular bighorn sheep.

“We never promise that anyone’s going to see them. They camouflage incredibly well in the landscape,” Young said. “But they are out there.”

©2024 The San Diego Union-Tribune. Visit sandiegouniontribune.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

If you’ve been in an airport recently, you’ve probably noticed two types of security lines: one for TSA PreCheck and one for Clear. Many of us already know of TSA PreCheck, a Trusted Traveler Program (TTP) that allows you to quickly move through airport security. But you may not be as familiar with Clear, an airport security technology and membership program.

But which is better: TSA PreCheck or Clear? Both programs have their advantages and disadvantages, and savvy travelers could use both programs to enhance their airport experience. We take a closer look at TSA PreCheck vs. Clear to help you decide which program is better for you.

What is TSA PreCheck?

TSA PreCheck is a Trusted Traveler Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA). TSA PreCheck is available at over 200 domestic airports and more than 90 airlines, all of which can be found on the official TSA website. Even though many airports and airlines participate in TSA PreCheck, there are some locations where TSA PreCheck is not available.

TSA PreCheck benefits

As a TSA PreCheck member, you’ll be able to access the expedited TSA PreCheck security line and complete airport security without going through the hassle of removing your shoes, belt or light jacket. You’ll also be able to leave laptops and TSA-approved liquids and gels in your carry-on. As for speed, the TSA claims that about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers enjoy wait times of less than 10 minutes.

Many people consider the designated TSA PreCheck security line and faster clearance through security to be the primary benefit of TSA PreCheck — but being able to keep your shoes on and keep laptops and approved liquids in your carry-on during the process is also a huge plus. Keep in mind that passengers are selected occasionally for additional airport security screenings, which could interrupt the expedited process.

TSA PreCheck application process and cost

If you are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national or a lawful and permanent U.S. resident, you are eligible to apply for TSA PreCheck. The application process has a couple of steps. First, fill out a short online application on the TSA PreCheck website; it should take no more than five minutes to complete.

Then, schedule an appointment at a TSA PreCheck enrollment center to receive a background check and fingerprinting. After completing the TSA PreCheck application process and passing a background check, you’ll receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) that you can enter whenever you book a flight.

This two-step application process costs up to $85, depending on which enrollment provider you use ($78 for enrollments through IDEMIA and $85 for enrollments through Telos). Online renewals only cost $70, and your TSA PreCheck enrollment status will remain valid for five years. However, many travel-focused credit cards and loyalty programs offer statement credits for TSA PreCheck application costs, which is one way to offset the cost of applying for TSA PreCheck.

Plus, top travel credit cards often come with other cost-saving benefits, like travel insurance and airport lounge access. So if you’re a frequent traveler, you might want to consider adding a travel card to your wallet.

What is Clear?

Clear is a membership program that allows its members to quickly verify their identities at biometric security kiosks. The paid membership Clear Plus is required for use at airports, while membership is free for those who use it only to enter partner stadiums and arenas. Clear meets the TSA baseline for security and privacy controls and has been certified as a “qualified anti-terrorism technology” by the Department of Homeland Security.

You can find Clear kiosks at more than 55 airports and at stadiums and arenas across the U.S. In New York, for example, Clear is available at Barclays Center, John F. Kennedy International Airport, LaGuardia Airport, Madison Square Garden, Westchester County Airport and Yankee Stadium. Smaller cities and towns, on the other hand, may not have Clear locations. Use Clear’s location guide to see if it’s available in your area.

Clear benefits

Clear Plus passengers can use the Clear lane to speed up the first half of the airport security process instead of waiting in line for a TSA representative to check their boarding pass and photo ID. After getting through the biometric screening, a Clear Ambassador escorts you directly to the next stage of the screening process so that you can complete physical and luggage scanning. You’re then taken to the TSA PreCheck line, if you already have TSA PreCheck. Otherwise, you use the regular screening line.

The $189 annual fee for the Clear Plus individual membership allows you to pass through expedited airport security. Clear also offers a free sports and events pass through its app that helps shorten the time it takes to enter sports and entertainment venues.

Clear application process and cost

You’re eligible to apply for Clear if you are at least 18 years old and have a U.S. driver’s license, U.S. passport or U.S. state-issued ID. The Clear application process is similar to the TSA PreCheck application process. You’ll start by filling out an online application. Then, visit one of the more than 50 Clear airport locations to finish the process. You don’t need an appointment before visiting a Clear location, but you do need to bring a photo ID that matches the name on your application and prepare to share your biometric information.

A Clear Plus membership is more expensive than TSA Precheck, with individual membership costing $189 per year and family memberships costing $189 a year plus $99 per person for up to three adults (children under 18 can use the Clear lane for free when traveling with a Clear Plus member). And while a statement credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry applications is a common perk among luxury travel cards, Clear credits are much less common. However, members of Delta SkyMiles and United MileagePlus are eligible for discounted or free Clear memberships.

In addition, several American Express cards offer Clear benefits. For example, the American Express Green Card offers up to a $189 Clear statement credit each year to help you cover part of the membership cost. There’s also The Platinum Card from American Express, which offers up to $189 in Clear statement credits each year.

Which is better: TSA PreCheck or Clear?

When it comes down to choosing between Clear or TSA PreCheck, many travelers assume TSA PreCheck is better. TSA PreCheck is less expensive, is available at more airports nationwide and has the advantage of being backed by the federal government. Plus, many travel credit cards offer a statement credit that covers the cost of a TSA PreCheck application.

That said, Clear also has a few advantages over TSA PreCheck. As TSA PreCheck becomes more popular, having a Clear Plus membership can help expedite the ID check screening at airports to make it go even faster. If you don’t already have TSA PreCheck, this can be a huge benefit. And if you frequent partner sports arenas and concert venues, the ability to quickly pass through security may make Clear worth it for you — especially if you carry a credit card that offers a statement credit toward your Clear Plus membership.

Should you get both TSA PreCheck and Clear?

While it might sound odd to consider enrolling in both TSA PreCheck and Clear, there are advantages to being a member of both programs. The biggest advantage is the way the programs work together to ease your trip through airport security. You can streamline your travel document screening process through Clear, then enter the TSA PreCheck screening line and walk through security with your shoes on.

Here are a few more advantages to having both TSA PreCheck and Clear:

• TSA PreCheck only allows you to expedite your airport security experience, but Clear can speed up your entry into airports, stadiums and other entertainment venues.
• When available, Clear passengers always have access to the dedicated Clear lane at security.
• Not all airlines allow you to use your TSA PreCheck membership to get through security, but Clear works no matter what airline you’re flying.
• Clear’s Health Pass allows you to share medical or vaccination information, which may be required for travel or entry into venues.

Also, it’s worth noting that TSA PreCheck isn’t the only recommended TTP. If you’re curious about the difference between TSA PreCheck and Global Entry — another Trusted Traveler Program designed to help people get through U.S. customs more efficiently — check out our guide on how to decide between Global Entry and TSA PreCheck.

The bottom line

If you want an affordable way to shorten the time it takes to get through airport security, TSA PreCheck might be the better choice for you. It’s also currently available at more locations than Clear. However, Clear provides access to expedited security lines at stadiums and arenas as well as airports, and you’re always able to use the Clear lane whenever it is available.

In the end, it’s up to you to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether you’d like to apply for TSA PreCheck, Clear or both. Either way, you’ll be able to spend your next trip breezing through airport security — which is a major plus.

Information about the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Visit Bankrate online at bankrate.com.

©2024 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Cirque du Soleil presents ‘KOOZA’: Now through March 10, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco. This cirque show combines acrobatic performance with the art of clowning while exploring fear, identity, recognition and power. Sit back and watch as The Innocent’s journey brings him into contact with comic characters from an electrifying world full of surprises. Tickets starting at $72. cirquedusoleil.com/kooza

2024 Culinary Clash: March 4, 8 and 11, Luce, 888 Howard St., San Francisco. Six rising City College of San Francisco students take over Luce’s world-class kitchen to showcase their very own three-course fine-dining menu. Revel in the rivalry as these culinary students compete for scholarships and cash prizes. $55. bit.ly/CulinaryClash

‘God is a Scottish Drag Queen’: 8 p.m. March 8, Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Revel in the humorous genius of award-winning comedian Mike Delamont. Winner of “Best of Fest” a staggering 18 times, this one-man show is a side-splitting comedy that clears up some misconceptions about God, while also allowing God to vent about human behavior. $25 to $55. livermorearts.org/events/god-is-a-scottish-drag-queen

Early Blooming Wildflowers Hike: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. March 9, Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen. Amazing wildflowers! On this walk through Jack London State Historic Park, guests will learn how to identify them and their potential pollinators, and how to recognize common Sonoma County plant family characteristics. $15. jacklondonpark.com/events/early-wildflowers-2024

‘Eden’ Cinequest Film Screening: 4:30 p.m. March 9, California Theatre, 345 S First St, San Jose. See the feature-film debut of Los Gatos filmmaker Chris McGilvray. ‘Eden” tells the story of a family that operates one of California’s most historic wineries, struggling with succession in a hauntingly beautiful mediation on balancing personal and professional identities. $14. bit.ly/EdenScreening

Berkeley Chamber Performances Presents The Zodiac Trio: 7:30 p.m. March 12, Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley. Premiere clarinet-violin-piano ensemble, the Zodiac Trio, is known for its performances featuring unconventional instrumentation, hidden gems, eclectic arrangements, and the occasional duo/solo. $35. berkeleychamberperform.org/zodiac-trio

Fork2Film Festival: March 14-17, Cameo Cinema, 1340 Main St., St. Helena. This festival brings together audiences, filmmakers, chefs and winemakers for a celebration of culinary, wine-centric and agriculture films from around the world with epicurean screenings, food and wine experiences and filmmaker Q&As. $20 to $25 per event. cameocinema.com

All Star Swing Jam: March 14-17, Embassy Suites, 101 McInnis Parkway, San Rafael. Swing into spring with a casual event where attendees can try out new swing skills in a pressure-free atmosphere while enjoying the expertise of all-star level competitors, instructors, judges and DJs. $0 to $179. allstarswingjam.com

Oakland Running Festival: March 15-17, Oakland venues. Nationally recognized as one of the country’s best running festivals, this three-day series offers distance running for all skill levels, as well as other events featuring food, drinks and fun activities. Register at oaklandmarathon.com

‘Dancing With The Stars’ Live 2024: 3 p.m. March 17, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, 50 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa. ‘Dancing with the Stars’ is back to heat up this winter with an all-new stage show featuring your favorite professional dancers from the hit television series performing glittering new numbers, as well as some unbelievable showstoppers from Season 32. $59 to $575. lutherburbankcenter.org/event/dwts24

SF Salsa Festival: March 21-23, SF Airport Marriott Waterfront, 1800 Old Bayshore Hwy., Burlingame. Celebrating samba — the dance, not the condiment — the 14th annual festival offers a weekend of world-class performances, dancing, competition and workshops with top salsa instructors. $20 to $170. sfsalsafestival.com

California Artisan Cheese Festival: March 22-24, Sonoma County Event Center, 1350 Bennett Valley Road, Santa Rosa. This celebration brings together lively experts and presenters from the artisan cheese world to promote awareness and enjoyment of those delicious products. Enjoy tours, tastings, seminars, a cheese crawl and an artisan marketplace. $25 to $175. artisancheesefestival.com

Appellation St. Helena bASH: 6 to 8:30 p.m. March 23, CIA at Greystone, 2555 Main St., St. Helena. Appellation St. Helena invites guests to its 13th annual bASH, a wine and food pairing competition. Wines from twenty ASH member wineries will be paired with savory bites prepared by professional chefs and teams of ‘rising star’ students at the CIA. $200. bit.ly/bASH2024

West Coast Taco & Beer Festival: March 23-24, History San Jose, 1650 Senter Road, San Jose. Eat. Sip. Repeat! This event features unlimited taco and beer tastings from dozens of restaurants and breweries, plus live music, boutique vendors, games and entertainment. $49 to $109. bluestreament.ticketspice.com/wctbfbayarea

Frank Sinatra Dinner Show: 7 to 9 p.m. March 30, Alhambra Irish House, 831 Main St., Redwood City. Enjoy a five course meal and a glass of wine while watching as award-winning artist Perry D’Andrea pays tribute to one of the most iconic members of the Rat Pack. $55. bit.ly/SinatraDinner

A Conversation with The Lincoln Lawyer: 7:30 p.m. April 5, Danville Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Best-selling crime novelist Michael Connelly engages in conversation with his long-time collaborator, legendary former LAPD homicide detective Rick Jackson, about murder investigations and the real-life Southland mysteries of Connelly’s “Lincoln Lawyer” and “Harry Bosch” series. $95. bit.ly/LincolnLawyerConvo

Folk Music Festival Series: April 5, Aug. 2 and Nov. 1, Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette. Front Porch Open Mic continues its partnership with Town Hall Theatre to present a folk music festival series featuring acoustic musicians and performers. $15 to $20. townhalltheatre.com/front-porch

Bay Area Super Ball Competition: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. April 6, Stanford ACSR, 341 Galvez St., Stanford. Step out for a ballroom and Latin dance competition featuring competitive events in international standard and Latin, American smooth and rhythm, and nightclub dances. There also will be performances, a team match and other fun events throughout the day. $5 to $50. bit.ly/BayAreaSuperBall

Bay Area Printers Fair & Wayzgoose: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13, History Park, 635 Phelan Ave., San Jose. Join this annual celebration of printmaking, book arts and letterpress printing. The fair features a wide range of activities, book artists, letterpress printers, live demonstrations and a marketplace with more than 40 vendors. Free admission. printersguild.wordpress.com

Mad Tea Party: 6 to 10 p.m. April 13, Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland. Fairyland invites adults for an Alice in Wonderland immersive experience filled with fantasy, dance, games, live entertainment and special libations including the March Hare’s Madness cocktail. $35. fairyland.org/events-and-performances/mad-tea

Whalefest Monterey: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 13-14, Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza, Monterey State Historic Park. This festival features engaging and educational activities for all ages, including live music, a symposium and dozens of fascinating marine-related interactive exhibits by local and national organizations. Free admission. whalefest.org

Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival: April 13-21, Japantown, San Francisco. Enjoy the largest Cherry Blossom Festival on the West Coast. Each year, more than 220,000 people attend this dazzling display showcasing vibrant Japanese culture and the rich heritage and diversity of the Japanese American community. Free admission. sfcherryblossom.org

Sausage Making at The Local Butcher Shop: 7 to 9 p.m. April 14, The Local Butcher Shop, 1600 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley. Learn how to make sausages with The Local Butcher Shop’s sausage makers. From grinding and mixing to recipes, proportions and casings, you’ll become a sausage pro in no time. $135. bit.ly/LocalButcherClass

Tech Roast Show 2042: 8 to 9:30 p.m. April 19, SFJAZZ, 201 Franklin St., San Francisco. Humanity may be toast, but we can still go out with a laugh. Enjoy a comedy show where renegade tech comedians will roast whimpering techies on stage in front of a live crowd. $44 to $129. bit.ly/Roast2042

Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival: 1 to 4 p.m. April 27-28, Southside Park, 2115 Sixth St., Sacramento. This annual festival pairs grilled cheese with everything from craft beer to kids fare, so there’s fun for everyone. Enjoy unlimited samples while sipping from your souvenir tasting glass, playing games and enjoying live music. $10 to $95. sacgrilledcheese.com

Sol Blume Festival: May 3-5, Discovery Park, Downtown Sacramento. Enjoy music performances by some of the most sought-after R&B, soul and hip-hop acts, plus family-friendly activities, wellness experiences, immersive art activations and local vendors. $249 to $449. solblume.com

Foodieland Night Market: May 10-12 at Sacramento’s Cal Expo and May 24-26 at San Francisco’s Cow Palace. FoodieLand is a renowned outdoor festival featuring food, shopping, games and live entertainment. This year’s edition promises more than 185 food and retail vendors. $0 to $7. foodielandnm.com

SF Beer Fest: 12 to 10 p.m. May 11, 2 Marina Blvd., San Francisco. Head for Fort Mason to try the best beer in town, all under the same roof. Enjoy a vast selection of specially curated beers set to an absolutely jamming soundtrack. $45 to $65. bit.ly/SFBeerFest2024

Bottle Rock: May 24-26, Napa Valley Expo, 575 Third St., Napa. This annual Wine Country music festival features a fabulous lineup of live entertainment from nationally known artists, singers and bands, as well as gourmet food, wine and beer stalls and a culinary stage. $233. bottlerocknapavalley.com

Carnaval San Francisco: May 25-26, San Francisco venues. The 46th edition of this annual multicultural celebration and parade will feature a rich assortment of food, music, dance, arts and crafts, games and live entertainment for all ages to enjoy. Free admission. carnavalsanfrancisco.org

Have an entertainment event to add? Submit it online at forms.gle/Cu9J6Ks2fQiQUcKk8.