doing one of their own. in richmond abc 7 news. >> a team from u.s. chemical board is expected to arrive today to investigate what they term as an exmotion and fire saying they will examine the safety procedures and check cal integrity. the board is an independent federal agency. >> there are hundreds of people that sought help following monday's fire. and dozens lined up at an attorney's office to file a claim, he has probably seen 2000 people and he's stunned by how many people are asking for help. >> from the early morning hours, people are calling me and telling me that they were

having asthma attacks and in respiratory distress. they were eyes itching and coughing and concerned about their children children and pets. >> this is the first time haney handled claims related to an accident at chevron. the company has yet to respond and tonight we'll hear from those filing flames and -- claims and response that claims amount to frivolous lawsuits. stay with us for continuing coverage on the refinery fire as we mentioned earlier we're awaiting a live news conference about the smaller fire and we'll bring you that as soon as it happens. and latest information on our web site. and facebook. >> contra costa county health services sent out a false alarm warning residents about an emergency at the shell refinery. sky 7 flew over that refinery.

turned out this was no emergency. officials say calls went out to 2000 people and there are sirens activated but the sheriff's department told us shell accidentally activated this alert. and said that shell did not intend to activate sirens. there was a small issue being addressed that had no threat to the community. >> there is developing news out of marin county. a brush fire has ruined today's 101 commute into sonoma county. that started near highway 101 on the county boarder. the fire began after a fire ran into a pole and knocked it over, firefighters doing doing mop up work now. the chp had to close northbound 101 and there are

back ups lasting for hours. >> and strong temperatures were a concern out there. there is a live look outside now from our camera awhere you can see appears to be haze in skies. now, an accu-weather forecast for us. >> that is right. haze and a lot of sun. here is a look at high temperatures so far, these are not the final highs for the date. we have numerous 90s down at morgan hill, 90 degrees. there is 96 in fairfield. and there is 98 in cloverdale. and 99 in yu kaia. and we have temperatures rising and there is air quality declining tomorrow, and we're expecting poor air fault, moderate at best in the south bay and santa clara

valley. and we do expect hundreds inland tomorrow, and i'll have the accu-weather forecast coming up later. >> thank you. >> we want to take you live right now in richmond. >> we continue to maintain with this throughout this event and will continue as we are now and there is protocol to assist us in case some other types of incidents could occur and providing support going into extinguish the fire, the opportunity arose, we can get close enough to extinguish the fire, all have been extinguished. i would like to caution everybody that as there has been fire there and damage, there is an opportunity and a right after this that can

small fires would break out in lines that have been damaged. at this time the fire is out. and there is no injuries and richmond fire department has been released back to normal duties. we're standing by and will continue to stand by until there is an ability to get in and clean up this unit. >> this is a leak above the area that was leaking. this is a pipe would have been damaged in the fire. that leaked down atop it. and this plant is shut down. it's not under pressure. there is no chance goitsing to be a large volume fire, we're able to go in to extinguish it and block in valves. >> and there is just the number four crude unit. thank you.

>> so we went in, we're able to see the primary fire diminished considerably. down to almost no leakful we extinguished both fires we're tibl see there are valves to get to and block in. we've been able to block in that area and there are no more leaks in that area. >> he said that why don't you shut down this area. what is that about? >> they run at high pressure and temperatures as you know. so to do unmanned shut down is dangerous. we don't take that lightly. we're reviewing whether we should or not shut down that

unit. so there is when the leak worsened then, of course, ignited. >> fires are extinguished at this point. >> this is remaining temporarily shut down. how long could it take to mix it in? >> well, at this point we're working directly with government agencies and with osha and epa. and with the chemical safety board. we're bringing right people together to make sure we take the time to do it right.

focus is the personnel and making sure we get this investigation done correctly. >> there is no timetable on how long that will take. >> there is no timetable at this time. >> this is to go in there and. >> so cal osha time line is their time line. it's up to them to decide when they're ready to start this investigation. there is a lot having to do with the safety of the unit. we'll work with them on that. >> this fire is out but we're not aware of all of the damage done so we have to be cautious about entering that area. and we don't want any injuries to occur, we're going to make

sure we know what precautions we need to take. and again, the investigation is still going on z so we don't know what could have caused this particular leak. nor what could have caused it to the point where it let go. that is what we're going to try to find out, to go from there. >> and to go right now up to the moment. i'm going to have heather come in to speak about it. thank you very much. >> this is a set up in claims. >> hi. thank you for being here. as we announced last night, chevron, as part of the responsibility to neighbors and community who have been

impacted by the incident we have set up a compensation fund and developed a process for people to file claims, i want to give people a number they can call in order to make a claim. 866-260-7881. there are live operators available 24 hours per day, seven days a week. now, it was just established today. and i have -- we have heard from community members they've received busy signals. i want to encourage people to call back if that happens and also, know that we have heard those complaints and are busy adding additional lines. and i will be giving you information about an address where we're going to be setting up starting later this week. an office in the town of richmond. people can go to file claims

in person. we understand people do this stuff face-to-face. we get that. we're going to be establishing that office. we're right now working to fix that address. i will have that for you. i should have that by tomorrow. >> is there a reasonable claim? can you elaborate on that? >> it mean what's people goring to have to call in and you know, if they had a loss of business hours we do know some of the businesses had to shut down early. so... you know what would that -- what did that cost? if people couldn't goat their jobs. i encourage people to call, to go through the process. >> do you have people filinging a waiver they won't sue independently. >> i'm not sure on that one. i'll get back to you on that. >> how many people contacted

this number so far? >> well over 500, we've heard, as of today. sor yeechl or fr over a thousand. so, yeah. needless to say, we're adding lines. >> is there medical conditions? >> yes. >> there is a medical condition and property damage. is there a run through? >> right. let me just --edical, property damage loss of income for businesses or you couldn't access your job. and you know there is a lot of gray area. the point is call the line work with adjustors on your case. i encourage them to do that. >> and is there a shelter in place the whole day here? there are some 4,000 hours, is

that a base claim? >> i would encourage anyone who feels they have suffered any damage to call this line. >> and we're trying to figure that out. we'll get information back with you. >> and i know, i know. >> this is what degree is the unit damaged? >> will they are able to operate another week? >> we're in the middle of the investigation to try to assess the level of dachblgt if there is speculation, it's just speculation. >> there is a still assessing all of the damage and that is

part of the investigation. >> chevron gas stations saying they're trying to keep prices down. a lot of gas stations have gone up. are they keeping them down? because they're part of the chevron group? >> i don't know how the individual, maybe you know, a lot of gas stations are actually operated by franchises. i'm not aware what each individual is doing. >> are you able to confirm whether it's just to turn it down? owe or there are other units also down? >> there is a crude unit down. >> and and are there questions about activity? >> and they think they're going to be part of the investigation and i understand people are anxious and our goal to make sure we understand and we will be

working to make sure we get those answers. >> and you've been listen together chevron news conference. the chief from the refinery warned that small fires could break out. the fire started today came from a leak above the area originally leaking and he says that not to worry, that the plant is shut down now. so there is no chance for another large fire meaning they'll be able to get a handle on them early. >> big picture is that plant has been depressed and in shut down mode so, if there are flare ups they won't represent a major threat. you're listen together issue here is the hot line set up as

a compensation fund. and that will be up as well throughout the newscast this, covers medical claims, property damage, loss of income, and loss to businesses from people who couldn't get to their jobs so we saw earlier people were going to turns -- attorneys offices and making claims. >> and there is more than a thousand calls on that lichblt

temperatures climbing out there. >> yes. we're heading towards triple digits. >> we are. close now tomorrow, we'll see

numerous lotions hitting triple digits. there is a live view from sutro camera. it's warm and clr clouds well off shore, so that explains warmth and there is mid up toer 90s inland east bay. 95 up in santa rosa. 70s and 80s around the bay there are triple digits likely and there is a cooler pattern settling in. this is a hot summer, which is now sliding westward. this information just in today from national data center

showing you that this july is the hottest july on record, and these areas in be he ige, or yank and red. and there is an exception is california temperatures averaging below july average. nearly three degrees below average for month of july in los angeles. there is san francisco, nearly one degree below average. california goes against the trend, again. there is fog pulling from the coast quickly. and there is this summer spread, 90s and 100s inland. and there is lows into mid to

upper 50s and tomorrow's highs, south bay, 90s. there are midz 60s on the coast. downtown san francisco, 73 tomorrow, 90s around the north bay. and 101 in yu kia. there is numerous 100 degree readings. mid-90s inland. here is the accu-weather forecast. there are mid-90s around the bay. upper 60s near the coast. and then, starting to cool down next week. >> thank you. >> just ahead randy travis in the slammer. >> threats that got him in hot wate

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jennifer lopez at war with one of her former employees. >> jennifer driver is suing her personal driver. apparently he quit when the management team chose not to use his services on a project.

j lo. claims he threatened to damage her reputation with sensitive information if she didn't pay him $2.8 million. randy travis arrested for driving while incox indicated after police say he crashed his car. officers say they found him naked and that he threatened to shoot and kill them. in february he was cited for public intoxication. >> tim mcgraw and faith hill blending voices for a vegas show, performing 10 weekends at the venetian hotel. >> this is just a dream. >> it's cool for us. like she said, we don't perform together that often. it's rare we do a song together. >> and there is baby news for a couple celebrities. get information at otrc.com.

>> still to come pete stark in hot water tonight. the threat a former supporter says he made. >> and how much money this

8-year-old congressman pete stark lost his temper and went after a long time democratic colleague. >> abc 7 joins with us the latest in what appears like a string of erratic missteps from this veteran lawmaker. >> pete stark of course is facing a democratic challenger if the general election thanks to the new top two primary system, he's running in a newly drawn 15th congressional district and hurting himself having to apologize a couple times for false accusations, and... the gaps haven't stopped. >> remember a month ago i asked why woe not debate his challenger? >> why won't you debate him? >> we only get stupid questions like you're asking that have nothing to do with issues. i'll talk about issues but not about nonsense. >> his ability to shoot from the hip sometimes served him

but recently backfire i'd worked on campaigns and been a big supporter of his and i owed him a phone call. >> this former majority leader says the congressman reacted by threatening him. >> he said something to the affect that how could i explain to this to my children, maybe a social worker to check on their safety. >> saying he went on saying woe crush tariko politically. >> in the planning for running for office, very a law practice. he said well then i'm going to talk to the trial attorney association and make sure they don't give you any work. >> then, he said congressman stark asked him to reconsider. >> there is no comment from

koomp yain head quarter buzz saying perhaps i showed him too much respect by showing i cared. it was clear from the conversation he was itching for a bite. he was trying to get under my skin and, says stark, unfortunately, i took the bait. there is a private conversation. it's fair to say so what? there will be ramifications. that is the story we're working on at 6:00. >> even apology was pretty harsh. >> there is a both candidates targeting specific voters. and whose are now being courted oo. the president kicked off a campaign swing through colorado. the focus is womens' health

care. >> decision affecting a woman's health is not up to politicians. they're not up to insurance companies. they're up to you. >> joined by sandra after rush limbaugh called her a slut. >> he has proven he will defend our rights, specialsly our right to quality affordable health care! >> in. >> i warks mitt romney kept up attack autos the president policies failed the american people. >> but a poll from abc news shows romney underwater when it comes to personal favoribility. that is the lowest rating in the race at this point since 1984 and there is a better outlook for president obama. and the veep stakes watch

continues. the solid choices are rob portman or bold newses of paul ryan or marco rubio. romney told fox news his campaign may be up to tricks you don't think we'd be silly to not pro vitd from time to time capacity to throw people off, do you? >> and romney's wife, ann is back from the olympics meaning the vp announcement could come at any time. they're eager to keep the buzz going. >> there are car crashes the leading cause of death of children between 1-12, and many are just not properly secured in safety seats. a study found few drivers followed guidelines for restraints especially as kids grow old yes, many ride flongt seat before recommended age of 13. and the research appears in september issue of the american journal of preventive

medicine. >> san jose's new ka seen joe open for business. the dig tear yeez on hand for a ribbon cutting ceremony. and we're live. >> right. you'll notice the name has an l in it, a lucky number in asian culture, it's where why it took place at 8:00 in the morning on the 8th day of the month, 8th month of the year. this is a new replacement for old garden city casino. and is considered a lucky play. >> this is going to again rate more tax revenue. >> not only generating $3 million more tax revenue but employs nearly 800 people, 3 hup new workers.

many of them have been anxiously waiting for process to play out. >> we've been anticipating it so long and are so blad this is here. >> customers crowded around the card tables and packed a sports bar. not giving thought to the older, garden city. >> there is know comparison. >> there are strict regulations controlling the rooms allowed to operate in this city. and there is limited to 49 tables each, security, cash flow are monitored and there are people enjoying opening day say they'll be back. >> it's well done. energy is positive. people are wonderful. there is a great time. this is going to do, i think,

really well. >> and also, what else casino may trit wants the city to allow to it do. >> thank you. >> coming up next new concerns about violence as madonna gets gets ready to take the stand in russia. >> today q and a just head. i'm taking your questions and you can contact me at m finney on twitter and facebook.com/michael finney abc 7. >> there is a view of sunny skies on the coast. things heating up. i'll have the hot forecast coming up. >> and there is berkeley and

this is slow going. stay with us. abc 7 news at 4:00 continues right after this.

state department warning of possible violence by madonna in st. peterberg rush yachl yesterday madonna told fans she supports a female rock band jailed for mocking

president vladimir putin and announced pink wrist bands will be handed out in support of the lgbt community. there are recently passed antigay laws. one city leader promised to file charges against madonna. >> and there is a official data that july was the hottest july on record for the 48 states as a who. and there is high temperatures into 90s oaf mid west and there are is a high of 102 tomorrow. there is heat go being on nationally. tomorrow, we expect high temperatures 102 in chico. there is 107 in fresno. 116 in palm springs. 82 in san diego. there is summer spread, a high

of 63 in pacifica. and then, inland there is a a 48 degree range. and it's going to be a warm day around the bay area. there is a 98 in clover dale. and 90 will be the high in san jose. 94 in morgan hill. 66 in half moon bay. this is the heat the a lot of the rest of the country is going to be experiencing. >> that is why things are heating up now. >> thank you. >> just ahead sheryl crow talks about writing a theme song for katie couric's new

show. >> are there airlines still offering rates for kids? i'll have the answer to that and more questions from facebook and twitter coming up next. so... [ gasps ] these are sandra's "homemade" yummy, scrumptious bars. hmm? maybe. rich chocolate chips... i just wanted you to eat more fiber. chewy, oatie, gooeyness... and, and...and then the awards started coming in, and i became addicted to the fame. topped with chocolaty drizzle... and fraudulence.

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time for michael fin eye here answering questions viewers have sent through

facebook and e mail. asking why drivers don't know passes to wi-fi. >> they have had wi-fi for a long time. on the bay bridge route and have been adding them on longer routes and good news is that it does not need a pass word. bad news is that i don't know why she thinks it does. go take a look. but there isn't a pass word. >> mary asked do airlines have fares for kids between 2-11 anymore? >> if they're on your lap, it's free. i don't know. american airlines in america do not offer a reduced fare, however, some foreign airlines do. you need to check z those

airlines here in america offer family discounts. they'll not tell you about it. when you if online to check, don't to it one at a time. put four, sometimes there is a discount that is hidden there. >> good to know. >> thank you. >> and robin we mailed can you park on the clean side of the street after the street has been cleaned?. >> we've talked about this where before n san francisco once street sweeper goes by you're allowed to park there regardless of what the sign says, it doesn't make a difference. they're not allowed to write you a ticket. that is thesy city of san francisco. this viewer lives in san jose. there, have you to abide by the signs and this is even if the truck has gone by.

>> thank you. >> and we're just a month from the premier of katie couric's new talk show here on abc 7. >> i spoke to her about what she's working on including a theme song. >> we're just a month from the premier of the talk show here, katie joins us now from new york this, is so exciting. there is a theme song now? that is right. things are rolling loong here, we have our debut. i think 33 days. this is hard to believe. our studio is up and running and there is a first test show there today trying to work out kinks before going on for reel there. is a when you mention a theme song, we do have a brand new one, it's written and sung by sheryl crow. she's so talented. so we thought we'd give you a

sneak preview of the song cheryl wrote after i spent him with her last spring. we talked about what we wanted to establish, let's take a look. you'll hear a hill bit of the song. ar.. >> i'm sheryl crow and these words were the hardest to write. >> sometimes, can be said in a simpler way, meaning more. >> one of the great things about daytime talk shows is that when you cover the every person or someone that audience feels like that is me. >> they see someone do anything gosh, i don't think i can do that, it gives them confidence to think, i'm going to try. and let us pray. >> good watching you, missy.

>> and okay. ♪ [ music ] . >> and you know, i nemp get tired of that song. it's a real foot tapper. >> and i just love it. she did such a great job. she did a positive song, good to clap to. >> i love sheryl crow. how nice to have friends like sheryl crow to do your theme song for you. >> i know, it's great. she and i have become friendly and i think hs she's a strong,

endepd woman who has been through a lot, has hnl issues she's powered through and had personal heart take raising two little boys on heir own, she seem to be a great person because she as a big heart and she's just so talented, too. >> we. we're looking forward to the show shlgs katie thank you again. >> katie debuts september 10th. >> thank you to those of who krkted to the foster kids dream campaign thanks to kelly, milly and tom why. just go to abc 7 news page.

click thumbs up button. >> and nasa released new photos could make you feel like you're on mars. high resolution shots from curiosity. >> could a cold blooded killer being in your home? researchers say house cats could be endangering wildlife. >> research now coming to a stop on a alzheimer's drug that held the most hope for patients

nasa released high resolution images from mars. the image from rover navigation shows a flat landscape with a looming rim of gale crater this, is after curiosity lifted its mast today this, is the first time they've maneuver n addition to navigation, it holds the laser

shooting cam cam. and can reveal chem ti of any rock within 25 feet of the rover there. could be a silent killer in your home. your cat. university of georgia researchers say 44% of roaming cats hunt wild live on average making two kills per week. and this adds up to a considerable number when looking at 86 million house cats. american bird conservancy claims predator cats are wiping out the bird population and the president says one in three american bird species is in decline. >> and thanks for joining us for abc news at 4:00. our new down load for free and you can receive news headlines the moment you wake up.

>> there is a fire at the chevron refinery. >> and this short and long term affects on the price paid at the pump. >> hottest day of the week is still ahead. how high temperatures will get. >> we continue to follow that breaking news at the chevron refinery. there is the same area and plenty of concerns. >> and i'm cheryl jennings. abc 7 nick smith joins us live now. >> good afternoon. that flare up already made an on edge community more nervous and today, an explanation on what could happen again.

this is after what is being described as a flare up reported at the same spot that burned on monday. the chief said there had been a controlled burn but crews were called back for a flare up. he says that product have been dripping from a valve that caused concern and a small flare up, then emitted smoke. but when he spoke, he said the plan is depressurized and all fires have been extinguished and warns the situation is delicate. >> there have been fire there. there is an opportunity and risk with a small fire that could break out. >> and when they went in to

attack the fire, they can concede the primary was out. and there is a plan with an orderer to preserve atmospheric filter, residents living nearby are hoping the investigation provides answers and with it, a piece of mind. >> you're going to think what is going happen next? you know? when is there a big explosion going to happen. >> and they is confirmed all fires are out. and what they're trying to do is hear what started this chain of events and explains it's because there is a process in place to do so. turning off too quickly could

be just as daichk russ as not shutting them off. >> doctors say there is more than 600 people complaining of irritations from the first fire, many who felt health affects want legal comp satisfaction. coming up at 6:00 legal claims being filed on behalf of the neighborhood neighbors. >> the fire expected put a dent in our wallets. and are we going to see them now? >> gas prices have fwn piling up and now, the disaster expected to drive up prices more. the refinery makes about 150% of the gasoline we use here in california. that is cau