1986
- The Napa River experiences its worst flooding of the 20th century
- The Oakland Symphony is dissolved
- The punk rock club 924 Gilman Street (pictured) is established in Berkeley
- The Cacophony Society of culture jammers is founded in San Francisco, and
- The first Burning Man gathering occurs at Baker Beach (pictured, with typical apparel of later events) in San Francisco23
- Shoreline Amphitheatre opens in Mountain View
- Jackie Speier is elected to the California State Assembly