>> janet oh is focused on how agencies are trying to prevent flooding. >> let's begin with spencer christian tracking the rain. spencer? >> thank you, ama. there is a break in the north bay. lots of rain elsewhere and a horse shoe shape along the coastline and towards the south bay as well. this is generally moderate rainfall, but steady and there are pockets of heavy down pours. let's take a look at what is coming your way. at 7:00 this evening, notice how wide spread rain redevelops and swings south ward today. and heavier concentrated rainfall will sweep through late night and overnight hours, i'll give you a closer look at that in just a moment. our team coverage continues

in the north bay. let's go live to wayne freedman this evening. hi, wayne. >> hi. lucky drive, normally there would be flooding after rain. there is no flooding here thus far. rain has fallen, it hasn't had a lot of problem spots here in the area. in the north bay, this rain storm looked bad in places but could have been worse. there was no mayhem, though there could have been when this tree fell off the bohemian highway. nobody injured. not even when a big rig slid off highway 116. as for the rest of us, you know that song how it's beginning to look like christmas? well, insert the word winter and marvel this woman exiting her car with style. >> you never got your hair wet. >> of course not. >> reporter: she'd be the exception. in marin county it fell pretty

much all day, slowing people down. >> it is a traffic jam everywhere. >> reporter: so mind your puddles and double check gutters. if the forecasts are right there is more rain where this came from. >> bring it on, el nino. >> reporter: after the dry years they want the rain to keep coming but the ground will wear out it's welcome if it gets too wet but it hasn't happened yet. >> thank you, wayne. rained intoed the manzanita park and ride. caltrans says they're working on the shugs. many agencies are working to prevent problems from flooding and storms. janet? >> reporter: the county says keeping the creek and storm

drains clear are examples of what you can do and what the county wants to remind residents to be mindful of before el nino arrives. every drop of rain is another remainder of what is still to come. contra costa county is bracing for el nino storm to have the biggest impact from january to march, but say it's critical to be prepared. >> we expect this week has some potential to cause damage. we have higher sea levels. >> everywhere, if you live next to a creek, you can flood. >> reporter: homeowners are urged to follow these simple tips. >> look to clean your creek and gutters. >> reporter: sandbags are a way to prevent local flooding. if you do come out here, make

sure you're prepared with gloves, a shovel and remember to only fill it a third of the way. people who live and work in martinez are no strangers to flooding and many are taking precautions. there are several hand bags here ready to go. >> we're preparing for flooding that might happen from the creek. that is coming up, the water tends to rise during the wet season. >> living in alhambra valley, everybody is in the flood zone. >> reporter: the county expects to be very busy but are keeping an eye out for problem areas as they try to stay ahead of the game. the storm is also dumping snow on the sierra. chain controls are in effect right now, as much as three feet of snow could fall today. for the latest weather

conditions it's easy to track weather where you live on abc7news.com/apps and enable push alerts so we can reach you at the latest information any time. a neighborhood in gilroy is trying to come to terms with the loss of a family who died when their plane crashed. the plane went down near bakersfield saturday. neighbors say they often saw the family together, doing yard work. >> they were a lovely couple. we loved and respected them. the kids played on the block every day. >> jason price was piloting a piper similar to this one. the faa said it could take months to determine where the plane crashed. a preliminary investigation says a 22-year-old died after falling from quote, a sig nant

height from a holiday party. investigators say alcohol appears to have been a factor. the college student was a member of the fraternity, but didn't live at the house. a san francisco judge ruled officers charged with sending offensive texts cannot be punished because the department waited too long to discipline them. vic lee is live with the developments tonight. vic? >> reporter: officers' attorneys say they're not celebrating today because their clients' misconduct apalls them, but say it's about the statute of limitations. judge goldsmith rules the police department waited too long to discipline the seven officers, accused of exchanging racist and homophobic text messages with the former sergeant. he was convicted of public

corruption last year. san francisco's internal affairs investigators received the texts two years before but say a court order preventing them from divulging the texts because it could jeopardize the prosecution. so they waited until the case ended to divulge the text to chief suhr. that is when he started proceedings, asking them to fire the officers. the judge said the officer bill of rights states the statute of limitations for police investigations is one year. this attorney represents one of the officers. >> what happens now is that department cannot take any action against these officers for exchange of text messages that occurred in 2011 and 2012. >> the chief says his department will appeal the ruling. >> anyone capable of these texts

should not be a police officer. >> reporter: the group representing black officers agrees. >> i have concerns about their ability to be able to police in an unbiassed manner. i am certain that the communities are concerned about that as well. >> reporter: seven officers have been on suspension with pay. the chief says he expects they'll remain that way while the department appeals. >> today, it's the first day of testimony for raymond "shrimp boy" chow and his redskin tearing trial. >> yes. next, a live update from our abc7 news reporter who was in the courtroom today. >> the story of a 6-year-old girl who god a special ride to her last chemotherapy session today. still stuck on last minute gifts? ahead, gift ideas for the person

that has everything. and we're leaving you with a look at live doppler 7 hd. spencer christian w ok, we're here. here's dad. mom. the twins. aunt alice... you didn't tell me aunt alice was coming. of course. don't forget grandpa. can the test drive be over now? maybe just head back to the dealership? don't you want to meet my family? yep, totally. it's practically yours, but we still need your signature. the volkswagen sign then drive event. zero due at signing, zero down, zero deposit, and zero first months payment on a new jetta and other select models. who patiently teaches how ta feast comes to life. the "family" ...who spends their holiday dinner with thankful strangers. the neighbor...who shares the season with another. you inspire us to do everything we do...

...for goodness' sake.

california based space x landed an unmanned rocket for the first time. the falcon 9 touched down just minutes ago in cape canaveral, florida. previous attempts ended in crashes. >> elan musk believes it

changing the way they transport. amazon founder beat musk in the space race, landing a rocket last month. well, for the first time today, raymond "shrimp boy" chow took the stand on trial for racketeering. >> alisa harrington is live now. you heard the testimony today? >> reporter: chow didn't shy away from his past but said that several years ago, he made a vow to end that life of crime. prosecutors say he was the ring he'der of a criminal organization in chinatown. raymond "shrimp boy" chow took the stand in his own racketeering trial. he wore a suit jacket and a tie he says his girlfriend bought for him at goodwill for $thr3. he was asked about his past,

including leading a gang, and picking fights. he was released early when testifying against his former boss. chow argued the government stabbed him in the back. he told the courtroom after taking the plea deal he thought he'd be protected, given a new identity and home. he returned to san francisco, living with his brother. he had a hard time finding work, was monitored with an ankle bracelet and says he was scared of being killed in retaliation. he says he has started meditation and volunteer work. he almost yelled when he told the courtroom he did not order the murder of alan lund. he says i am innocent of that, that is a fact. a juror abruptly left, telling the judge he was having an anxiety attack. chow is expected to be on the stand for several days. southern california, enrique martinez charged with

conspireing to provide guns to terrorists in the san bernardino massacre will pay bail. he was close friends with syed farook and his wife means he will be remaining behind bars. san francisco's chief of police commended a recruit who saved a baby's life while doing holiday shopping. ricky williams was in the parking lot in bay fair mall. he saw a mother crying. she showed him her 2-month-old's lifeless body. he started chest compressions as the mother breathed into the infant's mouth. >> they told us high stress situations you will refer to your training and i knew nothing else at that moment. i couldn't freak out.

i would say numb. just focused. >> the baby was treated at the hospital and is doing just great. firefighters are drawing inspiration for a girl with spark. >> she's battling a rare kidney cancer. it's a special fire engine ride for a milestone treatment. vivienne cooper is stoked. >> what are we driving? >> a fire truck. >> the orinda fire district is battling more than fires. they're helping this 6-year-old. >> she is showing us her scars and she had a big personality. >> like jumping off a cliff. you have no idea what is below you. >> he says the diagnosis came in june. >> they said we're admitting you and taking out a

family, friends and firefighters, driving her to her last chemotherapy session. >> i don't know what i expected but it was never this. it's been amazing. >> a welcome party. and the trusted hands of her surgeon. >> being part of the team is just very special. it makes my job special. >> she reminds us of what is important, which is helping people. >> do you have your coverage? >> i think. >> this is a round trip service. the firefighters will stay with finley through the treatment,

then take her home this afternoon. >> it is really coming down. >> yes. what a day. >> is it wet enough for you? >> yes. we need it. >> we do need it and it is on the way. >> you can see we're getting a break there and nine rest of the area is getting wet. and the south bay is beginning to get wetter. there is snowfall in the sierra. first looking at our rainfall totals in some select locations around the bay area. so over an inch and three quarters in san francisco. an inch and three quarters in oakland. it's getting wetter in the south bay. and two and a quarter inches in santa krudz. temperatures mid to upper 50s

and this is the view from our camera. looking west, and at the moment this particular spot doesn't seem to be very wet but rain continues throughout the morning hours. we'll have scattered showers into afternoon tomorrow and another storm coming in thursday, christmas eve. this storm is ranked two on the storm impact scale. tomorrow, we may see ponding on roadways and gusty winds into tomorrow. further complicating conditions. at 6:00 this evening, more rain developing in the north bay. rain pushing into the south bay and east. overnight will be a slow, wet morning commute tomorrow for sure. and notice it starts to break into scattered showers and becoming more widely scattered into the day.

and rainfall totals additionally over half an inch in san mateo and further complicating things will be the increase in winds. the wind advisory from 10:00 tonight to 4:00 tomorrow afternoon for north bay mountains and the delta, winds will be gusting up to 50 miles per hour at times and through morning at 10:00 we'll see maybe 8 to 14 inches of snow up to two feet or more above 7,000 feet. back to the bay area tonight, low to mid-50s and around or just above 60 degrees and if winds and rain weren't enough,

high tides will be high. king tides at the golden gate. looking for heights between 6.84 inches and seven inches. this could produce localized flooding. getting a break wednesday, a dry day. another storm coming this in thursday. and this is relatively light storm. the day looks dry and a third storm next sunday night into monday. we're in that rainy pattern. >> i'm pretty sure we had good rain through december but not throughout the month. >> yes. thank you. >> when abc7 news continues here, well, a universal mistake. >> yes. how the host of the miss universe pageant managed to crown the wrong winner and what the real winner thinks of the debacle.

>> this is a live look at the skyway. taillights trying to get to san jose. it's not moving in either

direction. >> it's tough out there and the rain isn't helping. here is a look at the toll plaza. you can see traffic just creeping along. it's rough out there tonight. >> well, first runner up. is miss columbia. >> there was a major mistake at the miss universe pageant. steve harvey named the wrong winner after miss columbia was crowned, harvey corrected himself, naming the philippines the actual winner. >> a very nontraditional crowning. >> yes. >> yes. harvey says he simply read the information wrong off the cue card and personally apologized to both contestants.

donald trump tweeted, he used to own the rights to the pageant. his tweet reads very sad what happened last night at the miss universe pageant. i sold it six months ago for a record price. this would never have happened. another candidate gone in the race for nomination tonight. lindsey graham has dropped out. lindsey graham ran a foreign policy policy campaign. offered to help whoever wins the nomination. >> to those that want to win, check my plan out. hillary, i'll help you where i can. i hope you're not, but if you are, i'll be there to help you win a war we can't afford to lose. >> fda officially lifted a ban blood donations from gay men,

deciding to make the change after two decades of proof that hiv, hepatitis b and c were were not trance milted >> we're fraking the current storm. >> we're keeping an eye on live doppler 7 hd for you and the full forecast, up next. the storm prompted a nash flood watch. a bicyclist nearly died after being hit by

taking a look at the storm that continues to move across the bay area. it's been a soggy day and into the evening on the golden gate, traffic is moving well at this

hour. >> and in san mateo, it's looking slower. and traffic backed up to a stand still at the bay bridge. they're going nowhere at light speed. >> yes. let's get to live doppler 7 hd. >> here is how it looks right now. a little bit of a break. you'll see another batch of rainfall, but most rain is in the south bay on the peninsula and parts of the east bay. and is very steady. at 7:00 notice rain continues through the mid evening and late night hours, becoming more wide spread and continue to rain heavily in spots. tomorrow morning's commute is going to be a slow one like this evening.

a flash flood watch in effect today for areas where many residents have vacation homes. what this storm could do in the areas. >> water rushes off the hills where the there was so much damage. the concern now is this being carried by the run off? >> it's going to run into creeks and rivers and water shed. >> the bureau of land management is being supplied. a strong, cold rain doesn't

speed things up. >> how far are you in the 100 acres? >> about 20 now. 20 acres. but we're chugging away. >> it does work if you can asupply it right and slow erosion down. and it works if you can apply it right. tonight, scientists are blaming el nino after a rare venomous water snake washed up in southern california. a volunteer found the dead yellow bellied snake in orange county this month. this is only the third sighting in california but second this year. they're usually found in warmer

pacific waters. rain fell throughout the morning commute. this is what conditions were like for one driver headed north. tricky conditions after paying attention. if you have a photo or video, share it with us. it will help us find your content and use it on the air. for the first time we're hearing from the bicyclist hit by a tour bus last month. the city sight seeing bus hit the cyclist in union square. the driver said his brakes failed but sfpd is still investigating. >> after that, almost dyeing i was so grateful. i'm more grateful now. >> this is the 26-year-old after he was injured.

you can see the tour bus hit him. >> five seconds later i was in the hospital. >> he says he didn't wake up until the next night. >> what happened is i passed people in cars. >> his attorneys say the bigger picture is making sure the buses are regulating more closely. >> they have to be safety checks and who is driving the buss? >> sfpd is investigating and chp mans to release inspection results this week. one showers says they can have mechanical violations. he says he was visiting from brazil. >> san francisco is amazing, amazing. >> his feelings for the city have not changed. >> so grateful.

so grateful to be in san francisco. >> he says he would come back. >> would you rent a bike again? >> i hope not. las vegas officials believe the woman who intentionally drove through pedestrians were likely on her way to dallas. police say she and the 3-year-old had been living out of the car for about a week. there is no word on a meetive. >> overseas now, a suicide bomber took the lives of six troops in afghanistan today and the taliban is claiming responsibility. it happened near barram air field. officials say a man drove his motorcycle, strapped with explosives into a patrol car. two americans and a u.s. contractor were injured in the attack. >> we need more rain, but state

regulators say they're considering easing back restrictions on water use. a 25% reduction remains in place. today officials said communities in areas could be eligible for reduced requirements. >> well, online shopping is way up this season but brick and mortar stores have an advantage, hands on experience. >> one store where you can see, touch, and dry out products, items usually only available it's also a story about canals and the artificial heart,oers.

electric guitars and rockets to the moon. in other words, this is the story of america- land of the doers. doin' it. did it. done. hard-working doers and smart-working doers. olds changed the way we put things together. and keepin'em together? that was walter's doin'. doers built this country. they built the dams and the railroads. ♪john henry was a steel drivin' man♪ hmm, catchy. they built the golden gates and the empire states. doers turn nothing into something. and something into something else. doin' got this nation done... along with the hula hoop, blue jeans and that little thing we call the interstate highway system. and all this doin'? it takes energy, no matter who's doin'. there's all kinds of doin' up in here. or what they're doin'. what the heck's he doin'? energy got us here. and it's our job to make sure there's enough energy to keep doers doin' the stuff doers do. to keep us all doin' what we do.

on his way to your christmas tree, here is santa. abc7 news was at california academy of sciences today as santa dove into the coral reef. he took questions from kids while underwater. if you want to see him scuba diving the shows run through thursday. >> he needs a wet santa suit. >> santa may want to make a stop

in palo alto, too. >> they're made by local start up that until now have only sold products online. >> some things you just have to see to believe. like that destroyed you're looking for. stephanie walked in, seeing gadgets so new they were only sold online. >> you can see how they are. >> the store is called beta. >> i was just shocked in cases it was years behind what you can get online. >> in other cases it's frustrating. >> getting into stores is a long process and your box is on i

shelf. >> there is a everything here being sold on consignment. >> companies pay a fee on a monthly basis. >> his job is to showcase them. >> people are treating the store in this museum like >> the store tells the makers so they can adjust the price. now, it's not just customers, but companies. >> to walk through the doors and start, you know, at times it's ó mini shark tank. >> you can see where you can

test out new products but might not help you decide what to buy. >> a look at a few gadgets that are perfect for the person that has everything. >>

visitors to sea world got stuck on a ride when it broke down. they were on a sky tower that climbed into the air. sea world owe lando was able to lower the ride to the ground but they were up there for a couple hours. >> maybe you're still struggling to find a perfect gift for a loved one? >> yes. >> there are a few gadgets for a person that seemingly has everything. >> we love gadgets. technology seems to be creeping into all aspects of our lives from relaxation to entertainment to education. >> there is a new doll in the form of a robot. it's one that children build themselves with perhaps the help

of a parent. >> you're putting this together and learning how they work and so it's a pretty interactive. >> you can program it to repeat movements, you can connect it to blue tooth. also it can tell jokes. >> it sells for $300. >> this is brook stone's top seller. they have cat ears that light up and double as external speakers. >> you can use this on xbox live. >> the cost? $129. fans might enjoy this movie memorabilia from luke crate. it includes nine collectibles like a metal kit. the star wars edition crate sells for $100. and this brain-sensing head

band. it tracks your activity and helps get you into a meditative state. this journalist tried it out. >> with the amount of noise here, it's very difficult. >> muse retails for $299. we have more information on our website abc7news.com. there you can see my reports or nearly all of them. >> good idea. >> yes. >> thank you. >> let's update this forecast we're getting hammered today. >> here is a look at soggy weather. more waves of rain, wettest portions are south and east.

so taking a look at our forecast animation some cases amber waves of rain. and so after midnight, continuing into mid day tomorrow will be a slow commute. from top to bottom, steadier rain, mainly showers and scattered showers into afternoon. and this is a storm of light intensity. dry day christmas day which is friday and another storm coming in on monday. >> we've got football news to

talk about. >> this afternoon, charles woodson only has two games left in

good evening, a surprise from the raiders, charles woodson announced his retirement at age 39. he played 18 he somehow continued playing through the pain. >> i do feel like the organization is in a great place for going forward. i'm going to think they're under great leadership. they're ready and have done a great job. and so you want to leave a place better than when you came in. so... i feel like you know this organization is in this team is in a better place.

>> and that is an instant hall of famer. >> miners are 4 and 10 with huge decisions to make. >> that is gone. we're developing another core. develop a core. a lot of them are young. i keep talking about the parts. you know? we've got guys there

excited about. >> you're sluging it out and could have been more. this is the worst coming in up here. his helmet drilled into norman's ear hole. he was not ejected and perhaps could have been. >> he came back. and they watched it. i'm sure they understand what kind of player this guy is. >> he plans to appeal the position. warriors need it.

and both out because of injuries. steve kerr is still experiencing headaches stemming from a leak in spinal fluid. >> it's obvious he's back. it's great having him around. and the doctors don't know, he doesn't know. there is no way to put a timetable on it. >> abc7 sports is 26 and 1 coming up with utah on wednesday. >> thank you. >> wow. >> we're tracking the rain and major traffic out of town for christmas week. >> warning about the drivers you don't want behind the wheel. >> then, on abc7 news at 11:00 what this evening's history.

>> prime time line up here on abc7, at 8:00 it's the great christmas followed by the great holiday baking show at 10:00 and abc7 news at 11:00. >> and then, jimmy kimmel live. >> that is it for this edition of abc7 news. look for breaking news on twitter you can find us there. thanks for joining us this evening. >> we appreciate your time as always. try to stay dry and safe. we'll see you at 9:00 and 11:00.

this is "jeopardy!" please welcome today's contestants -- a children's librarian from washington, d.c... a physics instructor from waterford, new york... and a retail store owner from pittsburgh, pennsylvania... and now here is the host of "jeopardy!" -- alex trebek! thank you, johnny gilbert, and thank you, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome aboard. to begin, the answer is a full knee replacement, which, unfortunately, is going to affect my mobility for the next little while, but not to worry. as those of you have noticed in recent years,

i seem to really enjoy working from a sitting position. now a brief word about today's program. you'll recall on friday, claudia corriere was the winner of the game. she's a professional musician and got a great offer, a job, a paying job, so she felt she had to accept that gig, and as a result, was not here today to defend. but we will be bringing her back on the program early in the new year. so we have three newcomers -- liz, jay, and shoshana. i'll wish you all good luck. let's play jeopardy! here are the categories for you. liz, you pick first from... [ laughter ] liz, start us. uh, common bond cuisine for $200. liz.