. >> michael finney is taking your questions and will answer them here live later, you can contact michael on twitter at m finney and facebook.com/michael finney abc 7. >> taking a look at traffic now this, is a san francisco skyway. you can see it's very slow going in both directions. especially on the lefthand side of the screen for folks trying to head across the bay bridge. stay with us. the news at 4:00 continues right after this. >>> checking healthy living news a possible mumps outbreak is causing court delays in san mateo county. nine inmates are now under quarantine, leading to delay of seven felony cases. once a case confirmed the health zept awaiting results. and it can cause headaches, fever and painful swelling. there is no treatment, typical cases last about seven-10 day autos and a smoggy commute could put you at greater risk for stroke temporarily. researchers at harvard and brown university looked at 10 years of data and found strokes spike following 24-hour periods in which air quality worsened. it does not show air pollution triggers strokes but researchers believe it is

bay area bank jobs about to be lost from a fraud division that operates in the east bay. >>> michael finneys here now to answer those questions. >> michael a fewer has a question about a recent increase in insurance premium autos we all do. and asked by way of facebook i got into a minor accident. my insurance went up. the fine print, any damage over $750 will increase the payment. are there regulations for this? yes. they have to tell what you they're going do but they can do whatever they want when it comes to an accident and how you drive and how they're going to price it. by and large the state does not have regulations on accident and how much more have you to pay. that said there are two thing that's could be going on here unrelated. and there is could just be a cost of living increase. other is often, if you just enquire, especially if you have a company that has an agent, call up and tell your agent to put pressure on them saying been a long time customer. and why the 50s sndz sometimes they'll roll that back simply because you asked. let's see. ball b wants to know there was an ad

. >> and michael finney taking your questions through his facebook and twitter pages and will answer them here, live in just a little bit. you can contact michael on twitter and facebook.com/michael finney abc 7. >> taking a look at traffic now if you're heading south, smooth going right now. there is a different story for folks heading east. stay with us. the news continues right after this. -dad, why e you getting that? -that's my cereal. is there a prize in there? oh, there's prize, all right. is it a robot? no. is it a jet plane? nope. is it a dinosaur? [ laughs ] [ male announcer ] inside every box of heart healthy cheerios are the great tasting little o's made from carefully selected oats that can help lower cholesterol. stickers? uh-uh. a perhero? ♪ kinda. [ male announcer ] and we think that's the best prize of all. ♪ >>> checking healthy living news, a packaging error forced recall of a million packets of birth control pills and says the packs may contain too many active tab blets or too few, which could raise the risk of unwanted pregnancy. and dates ranging from july 31, 20

. >> and michael finney taking your consumer questions and will answer them here live later, you can contact michael on twitter at m finney. >> the sun is out. the roads still a bit slick out there. you can be prepared for a long way if you're trying to make your way across the bay bridge this, is the san francisco skyway. traffic moving slowly if you're heading east right now. stay with us. the news at 4:00 continues right >>> this afternoon, researchers believe they have diskaifrd link between a high calorie diet and memory loss as we get old skbrer says people between 70-89 who eat a high calorie diet have twice the risk of developing mild cognitive impairment. it also did show, rather people could end up eating more food or there might be another factor involved of folks overeating and memory loss. >> eating dessert for breakfast could help some people lose weight according to a study conduct ducted in israel. researchers looked at two groups of obese adults and both groups lost weight at first but the participants who ate dessert for breakfast kept losing weight. those who didn't

michael finney explains what is happening. >> trend took off here at apple retail stores.mers could instantly receive their receipts here in their e-mail in-box. >> you can have it and it hars rather than all the paper in your wallet. >> now other retailers are following the lead. nordstrom's offer receipts by mail and urban outfitter and the gap. >> five years ago the way we deliver things, it will be ubiquitous. >> he is ceo of seamless receipts. he says it lets shoppers organize their records and gives retailers a new way to reach out to customers. >> to help the customer and come back on the purchase. >> he says 30% to 50% say yes when offer the e-mails but is it good idea for you to give a retailer why your personal information to just get a receipt. some customers said, it is. >> i can make a file on my consumer, definitely greener and i don't like wasting paper. >> others see it an invasion of their privacy? >> now can't have my phone number or e-mail address. >> you may see your in-box flooded with promotions but you can opt out of receiving ads by clicking a butto

. >> and michael finney taking your questions through his facebook and twitter pages. he'll answer them here, live later, you can contact michael on twitter and on facebook. >> taking a look at traffic right now, this is not a easy get away friday commute for folks. really backed up here on the skyway in san francisco. it's tough if you're heading east across the bay bridge. stay with us. the news continues right after this. ♪ [ female announcer ] hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni. now even cheesier and tastier. helpers. forty dishes, all delicious. gives us the most nutritious of gifts. but only when they are ready to be given. that's why green giant picks vegetables at their peak. ...and freezes them fast, locking in nutrients ...for you to unwrap. ♪ ho, h ho. green giant >>> hecking healthy living news if you don't woont a plump child don't push him or her to eat that. is the result of the study, found parents urging their kids to eat more at snack time could end up with chubbier children by age tleechl toddlers are finicky eaters and parents are worried their c

>> and michael finney is taking your questions and will answer them here in just a little bit. you can contact michael on twit skbrer facebook.com. ñsñsñsq >>> checking healthy living news this afternoon, the mild winter that we've experienced may make way for severe allergies this spring. allergies don't usually start until late march, but some doctors say they're already seeing patients with symptoms. pemplts say they're being treated now and may be a good time to make an appointment. mild sufferers may found over the counter drugs will work well for them. >> a host of injuries can land a baseball player on the disabled list but according to a study one side lines more players than all others. the side straight that comes from twisting or pivoting. the study found that not all side strings, there has been too much focus on strength training and not enough on stretching and flexible. >> business news now, ceo of starbucks blames washington for the country's slow economic recovery saying his country is doing something bit. saying lawmakers are more focused on politics than polic

. >> an unusual lesson for students playing with action figure autos and michael finney is taking your questions through his facebook and twitter questions and will be answering them here live just a little bit later, you can contact him at michael finney abc 7. >> our first check of traffic looking at a san francisco skyway downtown. the usual slow go. looking better for those on the right side of the screen. stay with us. the news at 4:00 continues. -dad, why e you getting that? -that's my cereal. is there a prize in there? oh, there's prize, all right. is it a robot? no. is it a jet plane? nope. is it a dinosaur? [ laughs ] [ male announcer ] inside every box of heart healthy cheerios are the great tasting little o's made from carefully selected oats that can help lower cholesterol. stickers? uh-uh. a perhero? ♪ kinda. [ male announcer ] and we think that's the best prize of all. ♪ >>> new concerns about diet sewed yeah ya and older adults. the study of older adults found the group was 44% more likely to suffer a heart tack or stroke, and researchers are quick to point out the drink

. >> michael finney is taking your questions through his facebook and twitter pages and will answer them here live just a little bit later, you can contact michael on twitter at m finney. >> at 4:09 checking commute, that is heading from left to right going to the bay bridge. usual crawl at this hour, on the right side, you know they're getting while the getting is good. in just a little while you won't be able to get across the other side of the bay bridge. traffic moving more smoothly for those people headed towards the peninsula. stay with us. denny's new sizzlin' skillets are here for a limited time. so strike while the iron's hot. starting at $4.99. only at denny's. america's diner is always open. >>> checking healthy living news officials say flu season arrived so latest start in nearly 25 years. new season is usually in full swing by december or january. officials don't know why the season started so late. california is one of the few states that has seen wide spread cases in two weeks. missouri is another. so far the vaccine seems well matched to the strains making people sick. l

michael finney, "7 on your side". >> eric: music movies and video games move into the clouds. maybe the next step is putting yourself in the clouds. a local company using robots to be everywhere at once. >> braid si is a real person. she is at home right now in illinois. she is also here at the network conference in san francisco all while she briefs conference in an office in mountain viewer. >> she is working for us but she is working for three other companies at companies at the same time. >> they are virtual. you can rent one for $600 a month if you need to be two or three places at once. >> they don't have arms to use copy machines or open doors, the point is when you are miles away. >> a lot of meetings happen somewhere else in the office, in the break room or machine shop. so being able to roll right in there and join the conversation where it's happening is important. >> they showed us how they can activate a robot to check on employees. and with a little help they can cruise around the parking lot. >> if i wanted to look all the way down. >> or you can look up and see

>> then, michael finney explains how new technology could speed up your air travel time. stay with us. the news continues in one minute. >> closed captioning brought to you by mancini sleepworld. >>> police are looking into the city's second murder of the year. the victim is described as a man in early to mid-20s who had been staying at the house about a week. neighbors have differing opinions about the house. >> that house has a reputation fr drugs. a lot of drug activity. a lot of drug people in and out. >> i haven't seen drug activity around here. >> investigators are not saying smig anything about drug activity. they do confirm they're looking for more information about a red car seen leaving the area. >> a new report says one of the biggest concerts in san francisco is also a huge money-maker. for some, it's also a major headache, however, and hearing today to figure out ways to keep everybody happy. and san francisco often call the park their backyard but for some, it is. and the big events have an impact on their lives. >> the fact and parking are the major things.

they got in touch with michael finney they were looking for help. >> michael is here now.ou got this guy a deal beel yaited gift? >> we did. and i also found advise for the rest of us. what to do if your credit card is double billed. >> my birthday. i like to make it memorable. i didn't have coverage to jump out of a plane. i convinced family members to go with me. >> where did they go? here. i fly in union city. a popular venue for indoor sky-diving. >> this is a wind tunnel. it's vertical. at some point they let you go. and you can shoot up about 20 feet into the air. so it's no experience like it. >> where is the problem? twlaz a glitch and two reservations remain, nearly $300 in overcharges. charles was told no problem, one would be removed. it didn't happen. he called. they said... they'd get on it that. didn't happen. he called his company and they said 60 days passed so... they could offer no help. >> so we said let's call channel 7. and that is when we contacted you guy autos 7 on your side contacted i fly. the folks there got on top of this. >> this was about augu

>> michael finney is taking your consumer questions and will answer them here live in just a little bit. you can contact michael on twitter and facebook. >> and taking a look now at traffic on the san francisco skyway. wow. this is monday. super easy traveling in both directions here. very light approaches heading across the bay bridge, same story heading south. stay with us. the news continues right after this. great! at progressive, you can compare rates side by side so you get the same coverage, often for less. wow! that is huge! ♪ and this is to remind you that you could save hundreds! [laughing] man: yeah. that will certainly stick with me. we'll take it. go, big money! i mean, go. it's your break, honey. same coverage, more savings. now, that's progressive. call or click today. >>> checking healthy living news, medical community looking at redefining how it classifies people who suffer from mild alzheimer's disease and find people could land in a new category that doesn't mention alzheimer's, but classified as mild cognitive impairment. the study appears in archives of neurology.

>> michael finney says that may be about to change. he's up next. you can see >>> tonight money matters, wall street holds at 13,000, dow added 23 points today to reach a market first hit as stock prices were climbing and last hit four years ago before the financial crisis. it's now less than 1200 points from an all-time high. kodak plans to cutoff benefits for 60,000 retirees over 65 because they're eligible for medicare. kodak is in bankruptcy and will need approval before being able to do that. yahoo threatening to file suit against facebook in a dispute over a number of patents. and there is a big announcement next week. the company is expected to launch the ipad 3. >> and most of us buy cell phones at a discount or perhaps get them free with a service contract. >> and you may notice despite deals like that you pay on the full price of the phone. that may change. >> that is what we want to hear about. michael finney is here with that. >> do you think i've got a complaint 2004? >> yes zoo there is dozens of consumers find out sales tax could be a

michael finney shows us what exactly the best jobs offer to hang on to employees. >> plus, a new procedure changing the lives of patients that suffer from a debilitating deformity. and .... >> and come together for affordable solutions. >> a groundbreaking by mention stanford grads that can help babies around the world. >> we start with the can you say cosco busan accident and negative aspects on fish the herring. it could be a warning for the shipping industry. >> it was november 2007 when the container ship cosco busan struck the base of one of towers of bay bridge. more than 50,000 gallons of oils leaked into the bay. they knew it would have a huge impact on marine life. but new research that the pacific herring population it was a disaster. >> we anticipated there would be subtle effects but what was really shocking these embryos were furnishing into liquid. >> jerry is director of the u.c. davis bodega marine laboratory. he co-authored the study. he says they found bunker oil from the damaged ship and sunlight proved to be a lethal combination for hundreds of thousands of fish embryos

we may need to get michael finney. and last week, despite the snow, 33% of the normal snow pack level state wide, only 30% of normal. so snow is desperately needed but not much son the way. none will be on the way tomorrow. we're looking at mainly dry conditions and rain develops on north and move south ward throughout the bay area. and that will be mild with highs into 70s and into the sierra there is a dry day here, here looking for clouds increasing tomorrow. and may get a drop or two of rain later into day here there, is a chance of rain. highs tomorrow during afternoon hours into low to mid-60s and here is the accu-weather forecast. chance of rain late tomorrow, overnight into saturday morning then dry saturday, another chance of rain late sunday into early monday. dry remainder of the week, temperatures back up to 70 by wednesday and thursday. >> okay. >> and okay os scar sunday just 10 day as way now. if you haven't gone yet, do it now. and there is the exclusive app giving you lividdo from red carpet and back s

you can contact michael on twitter and facebook.com/michael finney abc 7. >> and this is the skyway in downtown san francisco. those on the right side of the screen it's free flowing there. starting to tie up a little bit for those people heading through the east bay, lower deck of the bay bridge. more still to come at 4:00. [ female announcer ] pillsbury presents: how to solve a brother-sister standoff. ♪ pillsbury chocolate chipookies, warm out of the oven. another sweet idea for bringing families together from pillsbury. here's a better idea... pillsbury grands! flaky layers biscuits. in just 15 minutes, the light delicate layers add a layer of warmth to your next dinner. pillsbury grands! dinner ideas made easy. >>> we have breaking news stories to update you on. sky 7 is live over a house fire in mountain view taking place on a road on east dana street in mountain view, you can see the fire has torn through the roof here, we zoom out a little bit. there is a crane shooting water on top of this. so the response has been quick from fire officials in the fire department. no word yet

michael finney on whether stores should be doing it. >> and another run for nike. the $220 shoe that sparks the rush. >> and not quite out. an update on the napa valley wildfire. ule of -- all that have is coming up and then on "nightline." >> coming up next on "nightline," lions and tigers and other predators being kept as pets in backyard jungles. meet the guy who knows which ones might escape. and we go with fity cent to the most [ crickets chirping ] [ traffic passing ] ♪ [ music box: lullaby ] [ man on tv, indistinct ] ♪ [ lullaby continues ] [ baby coos ] [ man announcing ] millions are still exposed to the dangers... of secondhand smoke... and some of them can't do anything about it. ♪ [ continues ] [ gasping ] sure. what flavor? mm, one of each. lemon burst, hm, cherry orchard, blackberry harvest... my daughter's grabbing some yoplait. pina colada, orange creme. i can't imagine where she is... strawberry cheesecake. [ grocery store pa ] clean up in aisle eight. found her! [ female announcer ] yoplait original. 25 flavors for you to love. it is so good. show

it sent out a new check to wendy. >> i have to say michael finney was helpful and very fast. i have a big appreciation to abc. >> the forged check deposited into a wells fargo account. wells says it verifies signatures and advises customers to put alerts on accounts so they can be notified when balances are low or a check cleared and in this case,. >> and that is good that you worked it ourt. >> there is morp warmth. you're looking at drying out here around the bay area. rainfall has ended. and we do have a high surf advisory in effect. and there are swells expected. and there are breakers to 18 feet. let's take a look at conditions tomorrow, back to spring like weather in february, sunny skies, mild conditions, high temperatures into mid-60s and here is our accu-weather forecast. there is a string of mild days coming our way, including thursday. there will be a slight cool down heading into weekend. maybe a brief shower monday night into tuesday, then there is next sunday into monday, rather. next tuesday, valentine's day. >> there you go. >> thank you very much. >> and a gr

michael finney on whether stores should be doing it. >> and another run for nike.0 shoe that sparks the rush. >> and not quite out. an update on the napa valley wildfire. ule of -- all that have is coming up and then on "nightline." >> coming up next on "nightline," lions and tigers and other predators being kept as pets in backyard jungles. meet the guy who knows which ones might escape. and we go with fity cent to the most dangerous place he has ever >>> unusual to be asked to show your id for certain transactions, but what is more uncommon is to swipe your id into a computer jie. and it is making people nervous. what is happening to all of that information 1234* michael finney is here with a special report. >> california law says it is illegal for businesses to swipe your driver's license and store the data. but there are plenty of exceptions to the rule. now more retailers are capturing personal information with a quick swipe through one of their machines. >> there's hundreds and hundreds of seed beads. >> she makes unique crafts like these bottle ornaments. >>

i'm michael finney. seven on your side is coming up. hey guys, breakfast!uncer ] if whole grain isn't the first ingredient in your breakfast cereal, what is? now, in every box of general mills big g cereal, there's more whole grain than any other ingredient. that's why it's listed first on the side. from honey nut cheerios to cinnamon toast crunch to lucky charms, get more whole grain than any other ingredient... without question. just look for the white check. guys... [ female announcer ] pillsbury cinnamon rolls with cinnabon cinnamon are an irresistible sunday morning idea. nothing calls them to the table faster. sunday morning ideas made easy. how to solve a brother-sister standoff. ♪ pillsbury chocolate chipookies, warm out of the oven. another sweet idea for bringing families together from pillsbury. >> it seems easier than ever these case to rack up miles with your frequent flyer program but how easy is it to redeem those miles for flights you want? 7 on your side's michael finney helped one couple who had plenty of miles, but got as far as a break w

here is 7 on your side's michael finney with the story. >> whether you want to go back to the '70s witheversable disco jacket, or you are trying to look like a ridiculous lounge lizard, or when something designed to go shopping at the farmer's market, betabrand.com may be the place you can find it. housed in a warehouse-like office setting in the mission district, it's all about creating new ideas. >> all of those products are designed to make you the center of all attention and conversation. >> betabrand releases at least three new products each week, and customers are a big part of those releases. they are encouraged to model what they purchase and submit quirky photos of themselves for betabrand's website. just about anyone can get their 15 minutes of fame. >> we make everything here. we mick it in small batches so we can turn it around quickly. the good ideas get a second production run. >> the bad ideas are dumped. >> these underwear are impregnanted with iron. >> that was one of the bad ideas. it was designed to hide your private parts in going through airport screening. but the t

i'm michael finney, seven on your side. >> up next, how a football player and former san franciscoian giving back to his old neighborhood. cheeseburger macaroni? [ female announcer ] cheeserburger macaroni hamburger helper. now even cheesier and tastier. helpers. forty dishes, all delicious. gives us the most nutritious of gifts. but only when they are ready to be given. that's why green giant picks vegetables at their peak. ...and freezes them fast, locking in nutrients ...for you to unwrap. ♪ ho, h ho. green giant >> here are the winning numbers from last night's soup he lotto plus. and the meganumber 12. were you boozing it up in l. a.? because one winning ticket with all six numbers was purchased at a liquor store in los angeles. now for a bit of relatively low tech but amazing video. you are about to hear two apollo 17 astronauts singing as they stroll on the moon ♪ i was strolling on the moon one day ♪ ♪ in the merry, merry month of may -- december ♪ >> n.a.s.a. just released this from december of '72. those are aft thoughts jack smith and eugene. apollo 17 was the final apollo

i'm michael finney.g up on 7 on your side, new legal protections that will protect you. >> goal back. you might as well enjoy the beautiful sunshine coming our way, says lisa. every year millions of people have certainly information stolen in a data breach. often it's of no consequence but you have to wonder if someone is going to steal your whole identity. california now has a new law. here's 7 on your side's michael finney to explain it. >> i want to know where my information is. >> the last time we saw todd evans longo he received a frightening notice. health net insurance was missing several hard drives containing medical records of 2 million customers, including todd. >> they got everything that somebody would need to know to be me. >> since then millions of more americans have received similar scary notices, like those 100 million sony play station customers who found out hackers got into their account. thousands of city college students, just learned their banking information was stolen. >> too ma

i'm michael finney. on your side, one woman's preapproved card may be [ female announcer ] you do so much... to stay healthy. but did you know fiber choice can help support your overall well-being? every tasty tablet has prebiotic fiber from fruits and veggies... that lets your good bacteria thrive and helps support your immune system. fiber choice. an easy way to defend your health everyday. learn more about prebiotics and get a free sample at fiberchoice.com. >> good morning, everybody. we have a somewhat moist bridge deck but that's from a while ago. looks like a pretty nice day today and pretty darned-nice dry evening for the parade in san francisco or whatever else you want to do. another system is on the way, though, so enjoy today and tonight. >> if you've noticed more credit card offers in your mailbox lately, you are certainly not alone. banks mailed out an estimated 5 billion such offers last year, double the number of 2010. 7 on your side's michael finney said all that mail led to at least one

i'm michael finney. 7 on your side hey guys, breakfast! ] if whole grain isn't the first ingredient in your breakfast cereal, what is? now, in every box of general mills big g cereal, there's more whole grain than any other ingredient. that's why it's listed first on the side. from honey nut cheerios to cinnamon toast crunch to lucky charms, get more whole grain than any other ingredient... without question. just look for the white check. "and what do you do?" "oh, i sell insurance like no one else." "oh, that's nice." "thank you." now, that's progressive. call or click today. >> welcome back, it's 6:48. thanks for being up and joining us for the sunday morning news. this is a live look at the golden gate bridge easy does it. of course, at this hour of the morning. but yesterday starting in the afternoon, traffic was really clogged heading into the city, even though there is extra staffing there and all four lanes were open coming into the city. but that's because, as you know, the upper deck of the bay bridge is closed for repairs. so bew

i'm michael finney. coming up, i help out a long-time baker. hey guys, breakfast!hole grain isn't the first ingredient in your breakfast cereal, what is? now, in every box of general mills big g cereal, there's more whole grain than any other ingredient. that's why it's listed first on the side. from honey nut cheerios to cinnamon toast crunch to lucky charms, get more whole grain than any other ingredient... without question. just look for the white check. "and what do you do?" "oh, i sell insurance like no one else." "oh, that's nice." "thank you." now, that's progressive. call or click today. >> if you like to cook you might also like the new sophisticated appliances out on the market. one woman splurged, but came out feeling burned. 7 on your side michael finney helped out. >> in those difficult days after the san bruno pipeline explosion, carol was at home, blocks away baking food for the weary firefighters, or at least trying to. >> i would bake cookies and throw them out because i couldn't bring them up to the firehouse like that. they were soggyin the middl

i'm michael finney. 7 on your side is coming up. switching to progressive could mean hundreds more in your wallet year after year. feed me! saving you money -- now, that's progressive. call or click today. >> welcome back. folks, we want to showa couple of beautiful shots of the san francisco bay area. that one live from the top of mount tam. no words need to be said. another shot we have of the golden gate bridge. just a fantastic view. a little chillier than some people might like. give it a few days, we will be in the 70s. no rain in the forecast. >> 7 on your side has been investigating a long-term care insurance company. it delayed and denied benefits for an elderly couple so now the company is the target of a class action lawsuit. here's michael finney with a report.xd >> just won't believe me. >> beverly joe thought the long-term care insurance policy would bring peace of mind in her old age. instead it brought endless fights with the insurance company. >> i didn't want to deal with it anymore because they are so hard nosed a

i'm michael finney.7 on your side, knew legal protections that will protect you. [ mom ] hey guys. guys... [ female announcer ] pillsbury cinnamon rolls with cinnabon cinnamon are an irresistible sunday morning idea. nothing calls them to the table faster. sunday morning ideas made easy. how to solve a brother-sister standoff. ♪ pillsbury chocolate ch cookies, warm out of the oven. another sweet idea for bringing families together from pillsbury. >> welcome back. a live picture of heavenly mountain resort. lake tahoe in the background. you can't see it, but you can see them making snow. making the best of a funky situation. and all the folks up at the sierra can do is look at the folks in denver and colorado and the rockies getting all that snow and nothing here. maybe a little bit next week, maybe a tiny bit and then again maybe not. but they are making snow, making the best of it, and skiing is available in the sierra. every year millions of people have certainly information stolen in a data breach. of

i'm michael finney.up, i help out a long-time baker. [ female announcer ] pillsbury presents: how to solve a brother-sister standoff. ♪ pillsbury chocolate ch cookies, warm out of the oven. another sweet idea for bringing families together from pillsbury. here's a better idea... pillsbury grands! flaky layers biscuits. in just 15 minutes, the light delicate layers add a layer of warmth to your next dinner. pillsbury grands! dinner ideas made easy. ♪ [ female announcer ] hamburger helper cheeseburger macaroni. now even cheesier and tastier. helpers. forty dishes, all delicious. gives us the most nutritious of gifts. but only when they are ready to be given. that's why green giant picks vegetables at their peak. ...and freezes them fast, locking in nutrients ...for you to unwrap. ♪ ho, h ho. green giant >> if you like to cook you might also like the new sophisticated appliances out en the market. one woman splurge but came out feeling burned. 7 on your side michael finney helped out. >> in those difficult

i'm michael finney. one woman's preapproved tell me i'm beautiful... grow old together. tell me that i'm still the one. that you need me. that i'm your superhero. tell me you'll never let me go. tell me you miss me. tell me you love me. it's all i want to hear. [ female announcer ] everyone has something they need to hear. vow to tell them this valentine's day. ♪ made with only milk... cream... a touch of sugar... and pure natural flavors. coffee-mate natural bliss. from nestle. add your flavor naturally. >> if you've noticed more credit card offers in your mailbox lately, you are certainly not alone. banks mailed out an estimated 5 billion such offers last year, double the number of 2010. 7 on your side's michael finney said all that mail led to at least one worry some mix-up. >> they are back. credit card offers in your mailbox. she gets one a week and each week she makes sure they go in here. >> i shred it and i know it's been disposed of. >> that way thieves can't possibly get a hold of one and try to obtain a credit card in her name, except now sh

. >> michael finney taking your questions through his facebook and twitter pages. you can contact michael on twitter. >> if you're trying to make your way out of san francisco this afternoon, it's -- good luck is right. slow going in both directions. very slow as you try to make your way across the bay bridge. same is true if you're heading south. the news continues right after this. >>> this afternoon, if you're over 50 zp have an artificial knee you have lots of company. it's estimated one in 20 americans have that replacement joint. doctors say findings significant because it shows a big segment of the population may need future knee-related care. two trends may be be contributing, the obesity epidemic and experts say part of an analysis and scientists say a drugged used to treat cancer reversed alzheimer's disease in mice. it is used to treat types of skin cancer when injected into mice they showed dramatic improvements in memory and half of the plaque associated with alzheimer's cleared from their brains, scientists caution these are only in mice. the drug is a

michael finney is here. >> yes. >> and these guys don't sleep. police are putting out a new warning about an ongoing scam in which thieves can make you pay for their gift cards. now, how can they do that? first, they steal gift cards off the store rack. then, they take the card out of one package and put another inside. then, return that pack wrath to the store rack. when someone buy that's package it activists vaits the card that should have been inside. you can protect yourself by examining packaging to make sure no one tampered with it. a detective in that town found out about this and saw it going down. >> the government's new consumer watch dog agency launched an investigation into overdraft fees charned by banks. and will demand information about how fees affect consumers and how overdrafts are marketed and watch information received. fees for overdrafts account for $30 billion in rev nuchl it could result in regulations and a lawsuit if the agency determines banks are violating laws. >> today's high fashion may look sleek to consumer repor

i'm michael finney. coming up, that question is being put to use. >> graffiti has been a big problem in one neighborhood. >> one man turned to the i team to help wipe ut out. his story is part of you fix it week. >> we're taking your complaints to the people who can get results and i team dan noyes is here now with the story. >> there is a man living on the edge of the tender loin district says san francisco is soft on graffiti and had enough. he's been calling and complaining for years. when his calls were ignored sh he called us. >> this neighborhood sit on the edge of the tender loin. it can be rough but it's home and filled with beauty you may not see. >> interest there is 293 buildings and look what's happening. >> what's happening is graffiti. a lot of it this is what we have to live with. >> garcia says it's become a international destination spot for graffiti vandals. here they throw a sponge around the block up high where owners can't reach it that is more than anyone should have to put up w the

. >> if you're in financial trouble, michael finney reveals steps you can take to reduce your house payment by up to $500 a month. >> also, coming up tonight a bay area man whose plane was stolen for a weekend joyride with fatal consequence autos and eli manning goes to disneyworld reflecting on the new credentials as elite nfl quarterback and super bowl champion. stay with us. abc 7 news at 6:00 continues. s>s>s>sú >>> good evening, we'll start with consumer news, to get the best home loan have you to know the rule autos many think you're stuck with what you've got but that is not true. >> michael finney is here to explain why. >> the economic down turn, tightened lending stabbed standards and things are loosening up now. it's time for to you get with the program. a third of all homeowners have enough equity to refinance their homes but don't. >> they think it's, i won't be able to borrow money. i won't be able to refinance because it's very difficult. because lenders don't lend money. etc. not the case. >> if you know tricks you can save tens of thousands of dollars. the founder and ceo o

michael finney shows us what it is. >> and a policy paying off helping feed the hungry. >> heading towards top of the hour, the approach is moving smoothly at this point. good pace right now f you're buying a new car you usually don't spend too much time thinking about the tires because they're brand new. >> and michael finney is here to tell us what is new. >> i have to worry about this. >> yes. you do. >> for all of use yes. >> and there are many in for a huge surprise, they're going to find out that what is in the trunk is not necessarily adequate ask could end up leaving them branded. meeting this is a -- needing a tow is a miserable experience. >> two, three times per day we get calls on the highway. service people have a flat. >> think you're prepared? consumer reports says maybe not. for one, standard spare and jack are no longer a given. >> auto manufacturers are looking to optimize passenger and cargo space. and to improve fuel economy. >> this hyundai come was a small air compressor. no spare. >> there is a problem is that they don't work. there is damage to the fires in that cas

i'm michael finney, coming up on "7 on your side", that question is being put to you. ♪ okay, so whohelp lower cholesterol and who ordered the yummy cereal? yummy. that's yours. lower cholesterol. lower cholesterol. i'm yummy. lower cholesterol. i got that wrong didn't i? [ male announcer ] want great taste? honey nut cheerios. want whole grain oats that can help lower cholesterol? honey nut cheerios. it's a win win. good? [ crunching, sipping ] be happy. be healthy. can i try yours? >>> an effort is under way in the state to regulate insurance rates. it's shaping up to be a huge battle. here is michael finney with the details. >> reporter: marty has a $5,000 deductible and her health insurance costs still sting. >> at that year, 2005, i was paying 291 a month. now i'm paying 651s. that is over a 300% increase in my. >> it's a she is signing this petition that would regulate small group health policies in california. she says it's not about the money, but it's also about family. >> the reason is he still working full time is to help me pay for my health insurance for my health care.

. >> michael finney is taking your questions through his facebook and twitter pages and will be answering them live here just a little bit later, you can contact michael on twitter and facebook.com. >> and at 4:09 our first check of traffic looking at skyway in downtown san francisco. it's usual bumper to bumper and people moving left to right. traffic moving slightly better for those heading down south towards the peninsula. stay with us. the news at 4:00 continues. xaxax >>> checking healthy living news, hope for people fighting melanoma. according to a study published in the new england journal of medicine. the drug almost doubles the time for patients. researchers studied 132 patients under age 65 and those who took the drug survived nearly 16 months. advanced patients live typically only about eight months. the maker funded the study a. >>> a danish study shows babies are more likely to have kolic if their mothers use nicotine patches or inhalers to stop smoking and were 60% more likely to have kolicky babies. earlier studies suggest products were harmless during pregnancy. >> here i

and go to michael finney's consumer blog. >> and we'll give that a go. >> we're 24 hours from chinesear parade. coming up next, final prep that's roar in the year of the dragon. >> stay tuned and oscar sunday is coming up. just log on to abc's exclusive site. you can down load the app for iphones and ipads.8x8x8x8x8x8x8s a >>> coming up a convicted murderer leads to a second set of human remain autos we're going to venture out to a long dormant california volcano that may be overdue for an eruption. >> and right now, san francisco's chinatown is set for the lunar new year parade. >> it's the year of the dragon. the golden dragon sk readied tonight. >> down the road at pier 48 floats are getting a last minute once over started by chinese immigrants in 18 60s. >> and it begins at market and second street at 5:15 saturday evening, then winds through chinatown. >> sandhya telling us it's going to be nice and dry.

. >> and then from michael finney airline offering to turn gift cards into a dream vacation. >> i'm sandhya patel. a storm will be a snow maker for the sierra but will it produce moyer hur? -- moisture here? >>. >> tony bennett pledges his love for stit. the news continues in one minute. >> closed captioning brought to you by mancini sleepworld. >> it's golden. everybody is paying tribute to the man who left his heart in san francisco. and every radio station in town was considered to play the song at noon what. a treat. the city decided to show tony bennett love today. and we are live from city hall with the city. carolyn? >> there was a lot of hoopla here today. city hall just packed with fans of tony bennett on this valentine's day. and this is a fitting tribute to the singer. and he is celebrating his 50th anniversary of the song, his signature song "i left my heart in san francisco". today the 85-year-old winner was serenaded with renditions of the song and there is a video tribute. mr. benett your royce is the advice of -- voice of san francisco this, is your day. >> i have the honor

michael finney will question whether that rule goes far enough. stay with us. cu >>> i'm don cornelius. wishing you peace and... soul. >> the creator of the ground breaking tv dance show, "soul train" is dead. police say don cornelius shot himself in his home, he has been battling through health and family issues. he started "soul train" in 1970. and a year later began airing until 2006. with music, dance and style. quincy jones called him a pioneer and said before there was mtv there was "soul train". weighs 75 years of age. >> pretty amazing. >> and from worship to work place, san francisco is moving ahead with plans to convert one church into office space. this afternoon the city's historic commission approved converting st. joseph's church into 2100 square feet of offices for tech workers. it's the city landmark closed after 1989 earthquake. there will be upgrades. >> this church will be like sit now. and extear year will look like waits in 1913. >> inside is another story. stained glass windows will be reserved. the plan needs a final blessing from the pla

michael finney takes a look at what is behind delays in irs tax refunds, you're money. the news continues in one minute. stay with us. >>> a petition drive demanding governor brown stop putting shelter pets on death row after three days. >> some shelter animals are waiting for homes. others need their owners to reclaim them. >> they have six days. cities and counties pay for three days or 72 hours of care under the hayden act, state reimburses them about $23 million per year to keep them alive another three days but the governor wants to relieve the state of the mandate, considerate heics sthai is putting pets on death row too soon. >> after 72 hours at this point then be euthanized. >> some kids began a signature drive. and she turned in nearly 50,000 signatures to the governor. >> this is provision that's don't require common decency. they're not extraordinary. >> the but the brown administration points a report that found no evidence it increased adoptions. and says the formula on how much they get makes no sense. >> so those local governments who are putting down mo

i'm michael finney, 7 on your side. >> coming up next, two bay area studios with oscar dreams.ork from pixar and ilm that could result in academy gold. [ sue ] wow! i've been so looking forward to this. when my asthma symptoms returned, my doctor prescribed dulera to help prevent them. [ male announcer ] dulera is for patients 12 and older whose asthma is not well controlled on a long-term asthma control medicine, like an inhaled corticosteroid. dulera will not replace a rescue inhaler for sudden symptoms. dulera helps significantly improve lung function. this was shown over a 6 month clinical study. dulera contains formoterol, which increases the risk of death from asthma problems and may increase the risk of hospitalization in children and adolescents. dulera is not for people whose asthma is well controlled with a long-term asthma control medicine, like an inhaled corticosteroid. once your asthma is well controlled your doctor will decide if you can stop dulera and prescribe a different asthma control medicine, like an inhaled corticosteroid. do not take dulera more than pre

michael finney has important information on on this. >> fdic laz insured deposits and paid 2200 times with a down economy, sparking many recent examples on this. the staff has this down to a science. we've been down this road before. the 2008 when indy mac went under, the fdic issued reasurrance autos if you have insure add kts have you nothing to worry about. you don't have to suffer any convenience fchl you want to withdraw money, you can do that at any time. >> there was an old fashioned run on the bank. angry customers showing up to get money. >> i wanted to withdraw all of the money. i've got a cd and approximately $100,000 in here. >> every customer who wanted out was paid this, time in walnut creek fdic insurance is more generous. $250,000 per individual account. and up to $3 million can be insured. difference with home savings is that this time, there are no investors willing to take over the bank. the branches have been closed and checks, in the mail. they started going out on friday. checks for cds started to go out today. mailed from texas, fdic told me the checks should no

. >>> today michael finney takes us to the test track with information you need to know before you buyp fish and game official under fire for hunting this big cat. response to demands he resign. we'll have those stories and more later today at four and five. >> that will do it for now. for all of us here thank you for joining us. >> who wants to be a millionaire is next. >> keep track of the latest breaking news on twitter. >> and you can talk about it at facebook.com/abc7news.

and michael finney is back investigating a senior insurance plan that will have to explain to a judge why it didn't pay for what it promised to pay for. >> and a new vision for development good for both business and the environment.

michael finney has a site that will do the leg work for you.ose stories at more later today. -- >>> the mona lisa painting appears to have a twin. curators in madrid unveiled a restored copy. the 500-year-old original hapblgss in the louvre in paris. >> art history rans say what is amazing -- it may have been painted by a student or assistant in the same studio as the original. >> the two paints will be on together in paris starting march 29th. >> do you like that one as a copy? >> not the same. >> for all of us here thanks for joining us. >> who wants to be a millionaire is next. >>

. >> and then from 7 on your side, michael finney has a web site that helps you shop for the best auto insureance rate its about to get warm to make you wonder fits winter. i have near 80 degree temperatures coming up. the news continues in one minute. >>> authorities stepping up efforts to catch vandal that's caused nearly a million damage of damage to a school. today east bay congressman george miller toured the damage and pledged another $500 from his nonprofit youth fund. >> we think it's very important that we find out who acted in this manager against the children of the community and against the richmond community. >> vandals went on a destruction spree. and smashing windows and smearing paint all over walls and causing flooding. auditorium supposed to open in just week buzz repairs will take two month autos believe it or not, cars under recall do not have to be fixed before being rented. the nation's second largest company is asking for government regulations. manufacturers required to fix recalled vehicles before selling them but not rental agencies. there is a price of a barr

michael finney looks into restrictions and loopholes to keep from you cashing in.