[boyaka]

Check Google Maps right before or when you leave for your trip. The Navigation app is nice, but you could always just hop on your computer right when as you leave or check a while before you leave too. Just figure out the times when you aren't going with traffic. In general that is towards SF evening and away from SF in the morning. Also aim for off hours (9am-Noon, 1pm-3pm, night time). Socal traffic can be exponentially worse and probably not nearly as predictable (haven't lived there but have heard stories).

It is going to take a long time for public transit in California to beat the efficiency of well planned driving on most occasions besides major events. It would be nice if everywhere had trains as punctual and ubiquitous as Japan!