157 acres. it is a semi active training center. the fire now 50% conzpaind no buildings were threatened. >> possibility of lightning is sparking fire fears in the bay area tonight as well. this is a live picture from our camera. showing north bay hills. we have live team coverage with sandhya patel tracking weather conditions. wayne? >> hello we're on the border between oakland space and homes this is where fire people are worried about if lightning does come tonight this, is serious stuff. cal fire this year responded 4500 times. last year only 3300 fires. so we have burned twice as many acres this year and isn't

finished yet.,uyñ in california they might as well call this red flag grass. it's hot, dry, primed and even casual hikers. >> it's like this every summer. >> when we see dry lightning, firemen do not sleep or rest particularly well. >> potential for÷)p dry strikes all over the north bay. >> multiple dry lightning sparks-sh -- strikes if they land in dry brush, it ignites flames. a hillside can explode in minutes taking homes and property. if you wonder why your local fire department asks for 100 feet of defensible space it

for days like this. >> it's zaimpk russ stuff. -- dangerous stuff. >> while with a we saw last night over castro valley was impressive it's also dangerous. it could be one element in a perfect storm waiting to happen. one that bolts from skies and burns through the grass if predictions hold true this will be a night for vigilance. >> this shot just blew us away. that is the shark tank in san jose. take a look at the next picture from east way. check out the port of oakland. a fewer mailed thus shot from san francisco district to us at you reports.

look at the cluster of bolts right there. we're expecting more tonight and would thereof see more at you report or share images with us and on twitter. >> check us out there. great pictures. strikes are what is keeping red flag warning in affect certain parts of the bay area. awc 7 news sandhya patel is here now with live doppler 7 hd. >> we have our own radar. let's check it out.?71 just watching fog here, taking a wider perspective you'll notice we're seeing strikes and looks like over 600 strikes showing up about 166 miles away from san francisco. you can see here we do have a

red flag warning for the north bay mountains and valleys. until wednesday at 5:00 p.m. that could spark fires but is that doesn't mean you won't see lightning in other parts of the bay area. i'll let you know when we'll get back to normal here. >> a jury says a man known as alphabet killer is found guilty of first degree murder. 79-year-old joseph naso could face the death penalty. his nickname came about because victims first and last names started with the same letter, dan noins joins us. >> it took the jury just five and a half hours to come back with that verdict saying-finding he killed the victims. the prosecution case was

overwhelming. 70 witnesses nasoipú-j acted asi own attorney calling just a few character witnesses. we received word at 2:00 this afternoon. jury reached a verdict and would be read in just 15 minutes. only family members tlrk the brother of roxine rogash. >> can you explain what it was like to hear the words "guilty". >> i want to get in right there. i just don't know. >> you wanted to get him? >> i want to just finish him. >> naso's writings and photos played a major role in this case. coming up why he acted a as -- asked for a mistrial and the judge shot him down on that request. now two tragic incidents in

reyaled -- related there was a crash that nearly shut down highway 24 friday. tonight we're hearing from the family of a man riding that motorcycle an apparent victim of road rage who is now paralyzed. we're live now with the story. laura? >> this is a stretch where this began last friday just west of the caldecott tunnel. it's unclear what prip tated. but the life of a family man has been changed forever. the driver who allegedly rammed him faces three felony charges including hit and run, and attempted murder he he says he was hit way harder than speed he was traveling. >> alex fletcher doesn't know how her father survived this. a horrific motorcycle accident

on friday. >> he said he knew his back was broken because he couldn't flail in the air. he says he couldn't crawl away. >> the car that hit fletcher drove away. patrol caught up, and shot, the suspect. the 47-year-old fletcher now lies in the hospital in critical condition. his spine receivered likely paralyzed from the waste doin for the rest of his life. >> i'm only thinking why him? koit have been anyone else. it had to be my dad. i don't understand it. >> the suspected driver of the car a 32-year-old was shot by a chp officer in orinda. a resident of concord he apparently pulled off the highway with a flat tire. the car had clear signs of damage. >> no matter are what have you to lose or not if you hit and

run, you know when you hit someone on a motorcycle it's going to be bad. >> fletcher is a building inspector and rode his now his family is trying to figure out how to help their dad keel with injuries and the new life that lies ahead. >> the first thing he said is i'm sorry. he kept telling my mom and me how sorry this happened because it's going to be hard on the family. >> friends of rich fletcher set up a web site to help with his hospital and recovery expenses. that information is on our web site. abc 7 news.com. >> on stintson beach today watt jer off limits a spoiksman says a life guard spotted a great white shark yesterday afternoon. they believe the shark was attracted to blood from a whale calf that died yesterday morning. the carcass has been buried in the sand.

researchers are studying stampels to learn how that whale died. >> still to come here trucker troubles in the port of oakland and how that could impact stuff you buy at the store. >> also, finishing touches at the new bay bridge counting oun two weeks left until it opens for traffic. >> and how do you make a dorm room feel like home? kids go back to school. michael finney teams up with consumer reports for the best buys on dorm room appliances. stay with us.

independent truckers met with the port of oakland and port says they don't know whether they'll extend a strike into tomorrow. that cuts into their pocketbook of course since they're paid by the trip they say would co-raise the price gfs at stores. the strike end today but could continue tomorrow morning. >> we're counting down to the bay cars can drive on the bay bridge. there is still a lot of work to do. we are on the new span today and are on treasure island.

heather? >> that is among the project remaining between now and opening day. most of what is left is paving and striping.qq?o and moving barriers and connecting to the toll plaza. >> probably the most challenging is going to be demolishing that section of the can be deck to get it out $#ñn everything else is painting and moving rail. >> a concrete barrier is separating the current approach from the new one. when connected traffic swril a more direct alignment. that is new at the western end as well.

and eastbound deck will be less curvy coming out of the tunnel n addition motorists might have a touch of vertigo flying akrts bay. >> this be will be a very different experience for people driving over this bridge in terms of what they've been used to. since past several decade autos some lane striping is done but there is more left to complete. and they're headed for a section of old bridge that has to be torn down before they're installed. cot new span open earlier? >> we want to have people focus on the fact bridge is going open by 5:00 a.m. tuesday, september 3 if there is is a possibility we'll let people know. >> there is one a week and a

day. >> offering traechl bus service akrot the bay bart will be operating at several stations. san francisco bay ferry is expanding it's schedule if have you to drive down load the aaze traffic app we have details on the bridge closure at abc 7 news.com under see it on tv and we're now 14 day frtz opening of the new bay brichblgt stay with us for continuing skpumpblgt big opening. >> now, napa county formed it's first case of west nile virus this year. a 65-year-old man contracted meningitis. he was treated and was recovered. people 50 and over have a higher risk of contracting west nile.

for those who know symptoms it can be fatal. >> school is back in session and police are making an effort to keep kids out of trouble three police officers are signed to the tabs program. when officers see kids out of school their parentsyjáse notified and students sent back to school. >> clever name. >> yes. >> consumer reports partnered with 7 on your side fr a report on best buys for dorm appliance autos yes. michael finney has details on this. >> we have college kids. they're gearing uping to back to school that means shopping home.

heading back to campus? navigating surpasses westbound overwhelming. jared and his dorm mates have it figured out. >> microwaveable food is delicious. microwave and mini fridge with a freezer in it. >> courts test hundreds after ply yenss and can help. >> it's nice to have comforts of home with when you you're on your own. >> a mini fridge is a must. however, consumer reports found some compact bridge -- fridges have trouble keeping their cool but not this $220 frigidare. then a jolt of caffeine first thing in the morning. how about a coffee pod machine that sells for 130s skpdz top rated. >> this was quick to brew that all important first cup of coffee. and pods are easier, no messy grounds to clean up.

>> it's compact size is a real perk for small spaces. and this one is a little outside of the box a breakfast sandwich maker for hunger attacks whenever they hit. this $30 sandwich maker, built ingredientses, press a button and minutes later a nice egg sandwich. >> it's convenient. slower than using a stone but makes a great sandwich. >> getting these can get you set up just like jared. going away to college doesn't mean giving up comforts of home. don't forget a microwave but check rules for your dorm to be sure they allow them. some colleges ban appliances and set wattage limits. coming up taking you back to school shopping. where to find big savings on supplies. >> the more comfortable kids are at college the more likely

they'll stay there. >> michael, thank you. >> turning your attention toer weather. >> sandhya patel is busy. >> just a short time ago, thunderstorms it's getting exciting for outside of the bay area. we're still concerned about fire danger here locally. as you look you can see radar is tracking strikes. but look at the activity developing in the sierra nevada i'm going take new here and just minutes ago strong storms rolled into south lake tahoe. as a matter of fact we have reports of hail in that area and here is the latest one. watch out that, is going to

continue last night bp sthent. take a look at the double strikes in pacifica. heavy rain right now. 65 san francisco. oakland 64 degrees. with fog around this is going to be around for morning commute. jant rosa now 78 degrees, 86 livermore, highs today into 60s but it's a cooler day and will continue with the down turn in temperatures tomorrow. from our mount tamalpais camera, nice view of the fog here so enjoy. usual pattern with cooler weather friday, saturday,

sunday. we do have cooler weather coming up for the weekend. low startingòw to lift northward. dry air filtering in on the oft side of the low. which is why it's not as active here yet. we can see thunderstorms into thunderstorms going northward we're back to normal thursday afternoon here locally. mid-60s thunderstorms in the morning but fog going to be problem for your morning commute. 80 into tomorrow afternoon. sun, clouds for afternoon. 63 in pacifica. downtown san francisco 67 degrees. partly cloudy skies there. 77 santa rosa.

5:00 p.m. tomorrow. 75 union city. accu-weather forecast dry. weekend knocking down temperatures 80s inland then, holding there next week. >> that is a nice place to hold. >> yes. great to watch. >> thank you. >> just ahead a south bay immigrant who felt lucky to leave behind life he once led just got lucky for life. >> and how. and at 6:00 big cuts coming to head start programs in california why some fear the sthormt savings could have long term consequences

pittsburgh police need your help to catch men who beat a mother two of. >> it happened on bendy willow way around 10:00 last night. police say her mother and two little kids were sleeping when two men forced open a second story window. >> one of the men attacked the mom when she tried to push the panic button. they hid their faces.

police say a silver suv was seen during the time after the tack. >> pro at the timers remain camped out at berkeley's post office hoping to convince the postal service in the to sell the property. police asked pro testors to leave but no arrests were made. >> police say they arrested one person yesterday on a weapons charge. the commission says it will consider an appeal submitted by mayor tom baits commissioners until november to decide. >> this will make you smile a man who felt lucky to be alive is california's newest millionaire. that is duke fan holding a check for $3.25 million purchasing a $5 ticket in the lucky for life game. fan came to the us news 1979 escaping vietnam and a small, overcrowded fishing boat with only clothes on his back. he plans to use the nonbuy a house and pay for college for his two children.

good for him. >> wonderful. >> coming up, the motorcycles fill the streets in san jose today. >> why this enthusist is turning heads. stay with us.

coming up at 6:00 kids and concussions. what is being called most comprehensive effort to understand impact on young aj

skpleets lots of rumors about possible features what some people say apple needs to prove. and when it comes to buying school supplies michael finney explains why parents should think like college students. those stories and more coming up on abc 7 news at 6:00. >> a group of senior citizens was apparently born to be wild. >> yes. they're not letting motorcyclists launched a road trip to los angeles. >> ages range from 55-95 years old. saying view of life is better from the seeft a motorcycle. >> they're expeerp yensed drivers on a mission to experience and do more. >> i'm cheryl jennings. >> from all of us here thanks for watching. we appreciate your time.

connect with us on twitter. see you at 6:00. this is "world news." tonight day of terror, a gunman strikes an elementary school. terrified children race out of the building. frantic parents await the news. who is the 19-year-old with the huge weapon? and an abc news exclusive, the school clerk whose sheer courage got him to put down that gun while she prayed this. >> god help us all. red hot, 50 new fires put firefighters to a new limit. and watch your wallet. look at this, one second it's there. the next it's gone. the new hot spots for pick pockets and the new tricks of their trade. >> a good evening to all of you. just as so many american children are heading back to