. >>> san francisco union square area, some shoppers say they are spending as much or a little more than they did last year. >> concerned about the economy, but you know, we're having good sales and if you can buy now and save later. >> it's an indicator how people feel about the economy. the professor says if consumers feel good about spending an economic recovery could be on the horizon. >> when they are spending more money, there is more jobs, when unemployment numbers improve, people feel more confident. it's good for the economy to see people spending money. >> and they also say the discounts retailers aren't as steep as they were last year. that may be an indication they are looking at much better sales projections in hopes to make better profit next year. >>> and eight americans have been killed in a tour bus crash in egypt. officials say three tour buses were traveling together in southern egypt around dawn when the middle bus crashed into a parked dump truck loaded with sand. six women and two men were killed. 19 other americans, egyptian driver and a tour guide were injured. >>

but that did not stop dozens of folks from around the bay area from hitting the ice at san francisco's union square, even in the pouring rain. >> because we wanted to go ice skating. >> it's like our snow. >> reporter: but playing around in all that frosty weather, won't you just catch a cold? >> probably hence the name, but i don't mind getting a cold. >> reporter: but is cold weather really the culprit? >> no, we're standing here in the outside thinking that that might be the case, but it really isn't the virus that changes. i think what changes is the way we individuals interact with people around us. >> reporter: dr. larry drew is an infectious disease experts. he says why we see more colds this time of year is probably because we spend more time indoors exchanging germs. >> we're enclosed circumstances, rooms without good circulation. maybe we're a little more touchy feely at this time of year than in the middle of the summer so we can transmit just by hand to hand contact. >> reporter: the best treatment for a cold is rest and drink plenty of fluids. for get echinacea. >> chicken soup is as g

drive. >> many familiar faces helping to ring in the holidays for the salvation army in san francisco's union squareay. ho ho ho! merry christmas! >> have you seen the gentleman before? i have. he's abc 7's own arts and entertainment reporter don sanchez and he got into the act a short time ago in front of macy's. this marks the 30th year local celebrities are ringing bells to encourage people to toss coin and bills into the salvation army kettle. the bell-ringing tradition started in san francisco in the 1890s before going global. i don't remember who used to drop 20-dollar gold pieces in there back then. >> all that small change does add up though. it really doesn't. >> don had a little rhythm there, too. >> looked like it was dry for a moment where he was standing. >> these the trend. drier as the day unfolds and even through the weekend. tahoe, no new snow but looks kind of neat now with some of those clouds hanging around. we're looking from the heavenly cam here. and kind of warm. i'll have that forecast for you here in a minute. let's bring you back home and show you what's going on here. rat

the sound of belle holiday season at san francisco's union square. you know her, that's rita williams. she was taking part in their celebrity bell ringing. it included the oakland raider's cheer leaders. all were there to help encourage people to fill the kettles and help the needy this holiday season. >>> and that's our report for tonight. i'm gasia mikaelian. bay area news at 7:00 returns on monday. our coverage continues online at www.ktvu.com and tonight's 10:00 news on ktvu channel 2.

drive. >> many familiar faces helping to ring in the holidays for the salvation army in san francisco's union squareay. ho ho ho! merry christmas! >> have you seen the gentleman before? i have. he's abc 7's own arts and entertainment reporter don sanchez and he got into the act a short time ago in fron of macy's. this mks the 30th year local celebrities ar ringing bells to encourage people to toss coin and bills into the salvation army kettle. the bell-ringing tradition started in san fransco in the 1890s before going global. i don't remember who used to drop 20-dollar gold pieces in there back then. >> all that small change does add up though. it really doesn't. >> don ha a little rhythm there, too. >> looked like it was dry for a moment where he was standing. >> these the trend. drier as the day unfolds and even through the weeke. tahoe, no new snow but looks kind of neat now with some of those clouds hangi around. we're looking from the heavenly cam here. and kind of warm. i'll hav that forecast for you here in a minute. let's bring you back home and show you what's going on here. rather foggy in

. >> it was easy to spot the item that store after store in san francisco's union square. >> a lot ofople buying these? very popular? >> it wasn't so easy to find out if they were real or fake. even when signs were posted saying faux fur and even when we asked the sales people. >> it's a polyester. >> that are means it's not real? >> uh-huh. >> they said they were wrong every time. >> 100% real. >> we bought samples center nordstrom and burlington coat factory and assures the fur was fake. >> we're asked if they were fake or real. what's your best assessment. >> 100% wrong. the boots are real fur. >> the investigator shows the animal skin behind the fur, fake fur would be skimped into a fabric backing. this is rabbit and this is raccoon dog, a member of the dog family raised for its beautiful and cheap fur. >> raccoon dog fur is the most commonly misrepresented type of fur on the market. the reason people want to know whether there is real fur is so many of them have seen the absolutely horrific ways these animals are being raised and killed. we have seen footage of raccoon dogs being

john toomey worked at the macy's in san francisco's union square for 20 years. according to "chronicle" he would ask older people who sat on his lap if they were good. if they said yes, he would say that's too bad. and if they asked him why he was so jolly, he would say it's because he knows where all the naughty boys and girls live. toomey had been reportedly making the jokes for years with no problems until now. and by the way, there's going to be a rally in san francisco this afternoon to try to get santa's helper's job back. >>> coming up one little pill a day that's shown to dramatically reduce the risk of certain kinds of cancer plus evidence that chatting on a cell phone while pregnant to lead to bad behavior. ,, honey...? [ mom ] yes. honey, i can't find my internet cord. oh, i'll borrow hailey's. you're downloading movies. fast! from here? where is her cord?! we switched to at&t high speed internet and got wireless access. no more cords. wireless, okay, honestly, can i just get a cord, please? dad, the cord's invisible. [ female announcer ] for a limite

into the holiday spirit for one of the theme nights at the safeway holiday ice rink in san francisco's union squaren ice. >> had a lot of fun getting this ready. we were hoping for some good drag races later. >> i saw it and was super excited. >> we saw all the nice costumes. >> what do you think? >> very colorful. >> hello, ladies and gentlemen. happy holidays and welcome to drag queens on ice. ♪[ music ] >> i wore a little extra padding just in case. >> so when it comes to drag queens ice skating there is no agenda, nothing else like that. but i hope we are all going to have a good time. >> very friendsly. very colorful. >> it is part of san francisco. >> from brooklyn. >> we have drag queens there too. >> the warriors say late comeback but was it enough? i'm dennis o'donnell. lebron james goes home. you'll see the reaction next. ,,,,,,,,,, [ female announcer ] keurig has over 200 varieties of gourmet coffee and tea to choose from. ♪ keurig is the way to brew fresh, delicious coffee in under a minute. way to brew. [ female announcer ] so with keurig, every cup tastes like it's brewed just for you

. >> the san francisco union square area, some shoppers while concerned about the economy say they are spending as much or a little more than they did last year. >> i was concerned about the economy. they were having some very good sales. we can buy now and pay later and that's what we will do. >> it is a good indicator of how people feel about the economy. if people feel good about spending, an economic recovery could be on the horizon. >> when consumers are spending money there is more jobs. when the unemployment numbers improve, people feel more confident, and it is a snowball. so it is good for the economy for people to spend money. >> they say the discounts retailers are of onering are not as steep as last year. she says it may be an indication that they are looking at better sales projections and hope to make a better profit this year. thomas roman, abc7 news. >>> a set of strange circumstances followed a fire at a marijuana dispense re today in san francisco. police say the nor cal herbal relief center is licensed, but they are not sure if they are licensed to grow the pot in th

. >> store after store of san francisco's union square. >> get a lot of people buying these?t easy to find out if they were real or fake. even when signs were posted saying faux fur and even when we asked the salespeople. >> so that means it's not real? >> but an investigator with the humane society of the united states said they were wrong every time. we bought furs from loehmann's, burlington coat company. everyone told us they were real. >> pierre gragowsky said fake fur would be stitched into a backing. he said this is rabbit and this is raccoon dog, a member of the dog family raised for its beautiful and cheap fur. >> raccoon dog fur is the commonly most misrepresented st type fur on the market. the reason people wanted to know what raccoon dogs are, we've seen footage of raccoon dogs literally being skinned alive. >> whether people are anti-fur or not, they should know what they're getting. the problem is, federal law only requires these items to be labeled if they agree to have 150 or more. she is introducing a bill to close the $150 billion loophole, and require all g

in the holiday spirit for one of the theme nights of the safe way holiday ice rink in san francisco's union squareso get ready. drag queens on ice. warriors had a home? ey have a new >> we had a lot of fun getting this ready. to have dragon ice, we were hoping for good drags later. >> i saw the event, i was super excited. >> nice costumes. >> what do you think. >> very colorful. >> ladies and gentlemen, happy holidays, welcome to drag queens on ice. ♪[ music ] >> i wear a little extra padding just in case. >> so when it comes to drag queens ice skating there is no agenda, nothing else like that, but i hope we're all going to have a good time. >> very friendly, very colorful, part of san francisco. >> it's so brooklyn. >> i was going to say we have drag queens there too. >> and a condom. >>> remember that 5-0 start the warriors had at home? they have a new streak. who says you can't go home again. just be ready for the reactions. ,, ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, >>> "eyewitness news" is brought to you by bull oh va, designed to be noticed. >>> you know they say you can never go home again, not even to, wher

. >> the san francisco union square area, some shoppers, while concerned about the economy, say they'rending as much or a little more than they did last year. >> i was concerned about the economy. that, you know, they were having some very good sales and, you know, we can buy now, save later, that's what we'll do. >> holiday sales are an indicator how people feel about the economy. the professor says if consumers feel good about spending, an economic recovery could be on the horizon. >> when consumers are spending money, there's more jobs. when the unemployment numbers improve, people feel more comfortable. it's kind of a snowball. it's good for the economy to see people spending money. >> the discounts retailers are offering aren't as steep as last year. that may be an indication they're looking at much better sales projections and hope to make a better profit this year. i'm thomas roman, abc 7 news. >> coming up, annoyed by the noise. why some residents on the peninsula are complaining about the air traffic in and out of sfo. >> a nor'easter blizzard means millions had people are now

. >> san francisco's union square area some shoppers concerned about the economy they are spending just as much or a little more than they did last year. >> we are concerned about the economy, but they are having big sales but if you can buy now and save later. >> and they target december 26th as one of two major shopping days. >> i shop the day after christmas and the day after father's day. >> the professor says if consumers spend good about spending an economic recovery could be on the horizon. >> if consumers are spending more money, there is more jobs when the unemployment numbers improve people feel more confident. it's good to see people spending money. >> the professor also says discounts at retailers aren't as deep as they were last year. that could be an indication that retailers are looking at a little more profitable year in hoping to make more money this year. >>> meanwhile, a winter storm on the east coast is causing a domino effect that is reaching all the way to the bay area. dozens of flights have been cancelled or delayed. more than two dozen flights to the new york ar

. >>> a symphony of music played by street musicians is on full display at san francisco's union square. ktvu photojournalist martin fulton takes us now behind the music to the rhythm of the season. [ music ] >> i love playing music. and i love to play for thousands and thousands of people, right? >> i am having the time of my life. i have been doing this to support myself for a couple of months now. that's about it. i quit my job and set saline i'm loving it. -- set saline i'm loving it. [ music ] >> i have put on everything from james brown to michael jackson. for some reason people think it's all, you know, big smile. and it's so much more than that. >> people are, you know, happy seeing me sweat because that's what i'm really good at is sweating really, really hard. [ music ] >> it makes me happy and all of my good vibes goes out to people here. you don't know who is going to come out here. if they like you they will hire you. that's how you get your gig. you don't go to an agency and let them do the work. you do the work yourself. >> music keeps the beat. music changes your attitud

. >>> and the sound of ringing bells made it feel a lot like christmas in san francisco's union square. >> come and get any jar you want. this is all for a good cause. it is for the salvation army. >> reporter: yes that is ktvu's own sal castaneda and rita williams were just two of the many media professionals and many others taking part in the salvation army annual celebrity bell ringing contest. it is the ceremonial kick off of the season where people get to fill the buckets with cash to help the needy. >> this year, we're going to help families. on christmas morning we're going to be serving 4,000 hot meals. that helps a lot of people. >>> this year the salvation army also honored san francisco protocall director as founder of the celebrity bell ringing event. >>> president obama gets some big time democratic event for his tax plan. see what secretary hilton is saying. >>> general motors says it's growth is being hindered. see who they are blaming and why. >>> president obama brought in a political superstar today to rally support for his tax cut deal. former president bill clinton

. >>> dozens of hotel workers are raising their voices right now at san francisco's union square. >> they are protesting self- contract negotiations between their unions and the unions of hilton. the hotel tonight is telling a different story. >> they are paying their top officers bonuses of $3.5 million this year. and the expenses for our hotel are about 2.5 million to pay for everything that we need. >> there's an offer on the table right now but the unions walked away from it. it preserves pension, it preserves health care and it preserves wages. we would hope the unions would find that good in a bad economy. >> reporter: its workers have gone more than 16 months without a contract, it's calling for a boycott of the union hotel. >>> a forensic expert testified that dna evidence linked several defendants to the gang rape of a teenager. a crime lab supervisor said dna samples from four of the defendants have been linked to semen found on the victim. we'll have testimony coming up at 6:00. >>> tributes and tears for a high school student stabbed to death in newark. the victims loved

. >>> the sound of bells helped ring in the christmas season today at san francisco's union square. >> 3, 2, 1. >> thank you. >> and that's ktvu's own rita williams taking part in the salvation army's annual celebrity bell ringing. the event also included the cast from the musical shrek and the oakland raider's cheerleaders all there to encourage people to help fill the salvation army's collection kettles and help the needy this holiday. [ music ] >>> we still have some lingering clouds across the bay area right now. first thing tomorrow morning partly to mostly cloudy skies. temperatures start out saturday morning in the upper 40s to the 50s. san jose a forecast low of 52 degrees. the fog really concentrated out towards the delta and also for the inland valleys first thing saturday. at 7:00 50 degrees. by 3:00 a forecast high of 61 degrees. you can see the satellite in the radar. notice the trend over the past few frames. the clouds are beginning to lift to the north. as a result, of course, we had rain for today. no rainfall is expected for tomorrow. there is that rain lineup up tow

of "shrek" including the big green guy himself with the salvation army bell ringers in san francisco union squarerow from noon to 2 p.m. so meet the stars of the show, hang out, meet the cast and raise money for a great cause. i now love the movies. let's go to the movies of. and the king's speech opens tomorrow. it is as perfect and delicious a movie as you will ever see. richly enjoyable film about the abdiication of king george v in prewar britain. colin furth gives an oscar worthy performance. he plays the stammering duke who would later become king. the supporting cast guy pierce his brother david and others brilliant. the king's speech is a really handsome film a period piece and i hate to say it but nobody does british stuff better than the brits, right? >> oscar contender? >> absolutely. >> lots of buzz on this one. >> big buzz. one of the best films of the year. and there will be lots of nods oscar time. from movies to music. join these bands, robert a couple of your favorites, smashing pumpkins and chemical romance. not so silent night is friday night from 6:00 hp pavilion will be rocki

. >> as the sun went down this evening jews from around the bay area gathered in san francisco's union square to hell separate hanukkah, the -- celebrate hanukkah, the festival of light. [ music ] >> there was dancing and music as the flame went through the crowd before lighting the first candle on the 22-foot menorah. for the next seven days the giant menorah is scheduled to be lit at 4:30 every afternoon. >> what are you doing today? >> santa popped up in the ice rink today as some 200, 300 it, 3 and 4-year-olds got a turn on the ice. some of them it was their first time on the ice. it was a joint program by jump start a school readiness program and boston property. >>> the giants are making more news. the sports is up next. . >> sports director mark ibanez joins us now. the giants sure have been busy lately. >> took care of business in the world series. in the off season more business. >> it appears that pat the bat will be back. reports tonight indicating the giants have agreed to a one- year deal with the outfielder pat burly after he was picked up well into the 2010 season. the south ba

. >> as the sun went down this evening jews from around the bay area gathered in san francisco's union square to hell separate hanukkah, the -- celebrate hanukkah, the festival of light. [ music ] >> there was dancing and music as the flame went through the crowd before lighting the first candle on the 22-foot menorah. for the next seven days the giant menorah is scheduled to be lit at 4:30 every afternoon. >> what are you doing today? >> santa popped up in the ice rink today as some 200, 300 it, 3 and 4-year-olds got a turn on the ice. some of them it was their first time on . >> sports director mark ibanez joins us now. the giants sure have been busy lately. >> took care of business in the world series. in the off season more business. >> it appears that pat the bat will be back. reports tonight indicating the giants have agreed to a one- year deal with the outfielder pat burly after he was picked up well into the 2010 season. the south bay product came through with quite a few big hits for the team he ended up following. wound up with 18 homeruns for san francisco. after a hitless world se

. >>> the sound of bells helped ring in the christmas season today at san francisco's union square. >> 3, 2, 1. >> thank you. >> and that's ktvu's own rita williams taking part in the salvation army's annual celebrity bell ringing. the event also included the cast from the musical shrek and the oakland raider's cheerleaders all there to encourage people to help fill the salvation army's collection kettles and help the needy this holiday. [ music ] >>> we still have some lingering clouds across the bay area right now. first thing tomorrow morning partly to mostly cloudy skies. temperatures start out saturday morning in the upper 40s to the 50s. san jose a forecast low of 52 degrees. the fog really concentrated out towards the delta and also for the inland valleys first thing saturday. at 7:00 50 degrees. by 3:00 a forecast high of 61 degrees. you can see the satellite in the radar. notice the trend over the past few frames. the clouds are beginning to lift to the north. as a result, of course, we had rain for today. no rainfall is expected for tomorrow. there is that rain lineup up tow

. >>> a surprise makeover for a store in san francisco's union square. check it out.t street last night, that's not an auto dealership. that car with four women in it crashed through the front doors of the old virgin megastore right into the lobby almost up the escalator. the driver says she lost control when she tried to avoid a big rig. one person received minor injuries, no one was seriously hurt. >>> all right. time now 5:35. tracy is standing by in the pinpoint weather center with what is apparently a debate over today's or at least the current hour's chilly temperatures. >> you children just need to stop this. >> i guess there is no debate over the storm that's brewing. >> you soft california people. >> i don't know where this soft thing is coming from. 39 degrees is cold! >> how old were you before you saw snow down in los angeles? [ laughter ] >> okay, i'm not going to talk about that. >>robert, it was just a common debate. for a lot of people, weather is relative. one person's cold is another person's chilly. one person's teeth chattering is not so cold. hey,

christine conley as live in union square in san francisco with more on that. christine. >> can have you finished your christmas shopping? >> of course not. >> i haven't either any of these folks. uc just a big lot of people here, folks that i talked to some say there used to waiting till the last minute so they're trying to get out a couple of days before now. it there's a lot of traffic to. we'll show you some of the lines of cars here. were the big problems is that parking is: this area passioi talked to some shoppers about how hectic it's been take a listen to what they had to say. >> if you saw how many people were in the shops, it definitely feels last minute because it was a scene in there. >> parking was horrible, everything else was good. it was worth it, a little too expensive lines are too long. >> i am coming back and try to come early in the morning to beat the crowds. >> so people definitely having to deal with crowds as they come down here. a lot of the shops of long lines of people in them. it it landed you come down there could be a lot of peop

in san francisco a union square macy's santa claus has been put on the naughty list. john toomey who has been chris crinkle for 20 years was fired friday night for telling a couple of jokes he said he used for years when adults visit. >> they sat on my lap. and i said have you been good this year. they said oh yes. i said that's too bad. i said you know why santa's so happy and jolly all the time, don't you? they said, no, we don't know. i said that's because santa knows where all the naughty boys and girls live. >> the couple complaid to management and toomey was fired. some macy's employees say the stor overreacted they said they're devastated. macy's won't comment because it involves an employee. >> mike nicco ahead with our forecast. >> nice outside. what do you say we take a look. a few high clouds. calm and warmer than avere day today. but it looks lik we're going to have rain on the way. i'll tell you when it gets here. >> mike, thanks vermuch. >> ahead, the man accused of attaing the priest he says abused him returns to court. force force save $523! 16 minutes

in san francisco a union square macy's santa claus has been put on the naughty list. john toomey who has been chris crinkle for 20 years was fired friday night for telling a couple of jokes he said he used for years when adults visit. >> they sat on my lap. and i said have you been good this year. they said oh yes. i said that's too bad. i said you know why santa's so happy and jolly all the time don't you? they said no we don't know. i said that's because santa knows where all the naughty boys and girls live. >> the couple complained to management and toomey was fired. some macy's employees say the store overreacted. they said they're devastated. macy's won't comment because it involves an employee. >> mike nicco ahead with our forecast. >> nice outside. what do you say we take a look. a few high clouds. calm and warmer than average day today. but it looks like we're going to have rain on the way. i'll tell you when it gets here. >> mike thanks very much. >> ahead, the man accused of attacking the priest he saysñññññiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑiÑ/ñ/ñ/ñ ♪ >>> in the so

. >> in san francisco's union square area, some shomers while concerned about the economy say they're> concerned about the economy. that, you know figure we're having some very good sales and you know if we can buy now, save later that's what we'll do. >> holiday sales are a indicator how people feel about the economy. the professor says if consumers feel good about spending an economic recovery could be on the horizon. >> when they're spending money, there's more jobs. when unemployment numbers improve, people feel more confident. it's kind of a snowball. it's good for the economy i think for people to spend money. >> the discount retailers offerings aren't as steep as next year. they hope to make a better profit this year. >> and of course wall street keeping an eye on those big post-christmas shopping bargains. courtny joins us live from bloomberg headquarters in new york. you know she would normally be at the new york stock exchange if there weren't 3,000 feet of snow on the ground. you had an adventure getting into work this morning, courtny? >> i definitely did. i had to climb o

looking out towards san francisco. union square, currently in the low to mid-40s, right around 45 degrees. dry weather pattern for today. i'm tracking another storm developing offshore. i will have the timing and also the rainfall projections coming up in just a few minutes. >>> we are monitoring the latest developments from rome. we just received new video. a pair of package bombs have exploded at the rome and chilean embassies. it's not clear who sent them and no one so far has claimed responsibility. police received a suspicious package at the ukrainian e mbassy. but they say that was a false alarm. police are check all embassies in the italian capital. >>> tensions are heightening as north korea continues to be changing positions on retaliation against its southern neighbor. the north says it's ready to launch a sacred war against south korea, accusing it of deliberately push, the two nations to the brink of war. earlier this week, north korea said it would not respond to any provocations. sen ton -- tensions have been soaring

----y se presentara en el teatro "marine's memorial" ubicado en union square de san francisco del 21te del castillo adorna la portada de la revista "siempre mujer". mujer".---ahora mismo la guapa y talentosa mexicana esta grabando la nueva produccion de telemundo "la reina del sur" en colombia donde se realizo esta candente sesion fotografica.---kate muy pronto engalanaÁ la pantalla de nuestra cadena con esta emocionante telenovela ...---- dijo que esta fascinada con su participacion pues desde que leyo el libro se enamoro del personaje. ---y esta noche?... noche?...---en su noticiero telemundo 48 a las once estaremos hablando de los dias violentos que se viven en una ciudad mexicana... y en medio de todo esto los fieles se preparan a celebrar a la "morenita del tepeyac"... usted ¿como celebraba este dia en mexico...o como lo hace aqui?... ----gracias por acompaÑarnos ... ---los dejo con el noticiero nacional y jose diaz . balart.

presented to you is affordability, both on the residential side it and also for union square, for tourists coming into san francisco looking for a budget hotel. that is something this will provide them. the third thing you have an opportunity to provide today is 60 jobs. that is a terrific opportunity, 60 jobs, split between fifth street and o'farrell street. i think those three elements, you need to both buildings, are why the project should be approved today. thank you. president miguel: thank you. gary and foster. >> good afternoon. i am gary, the architect for 235 o'farrell products. i'm speaking out of turn, i imagine. president miguel: not at all. >> i am going to talk about the holiday inn express because it is going to be the second urban holiday inn express product in the nation. they have won in chicago and they're very interested in doing another one or more in san francisco. it is an ideal location. we are having a very economic hotel with their standards. the have much larger rooms, much larger amenities and parking. none of those will be provided. we will have a small amenity package, but in general,

si nos vamos al norte de la bahia...otro popular lugar para visitar en estas fechas es union square de san franciscoy romantico pero vine con mis hijos pero para mi espo es romantico y ademas es navidad." 13:0415:09 " lindo, lindo, todas las decoraciones son preciosas."15:1216:42 " tu que le pediste a santa? -una computadora de barbie.-ah! y te has portado muy bien, yo creo que si te la va a traer, verdad? si."16:53en esta epoca, union square que se construyo en 1850 es adornada con un enorme y espectacular pino de navidad de 80 pies de altura con miles de lucecitas, una tradicion que lleva 21 aqos vigente y se enciende un dia despues de thanksgiving. 16:53 " te gusta san francisco en navidad? -si.- que es lo que mas te gusta? -estar con mi familia."16:57la pista de patinaje sobre hielo aqui en union square es definitivamente la atraccion mas popular para hacer otra actividad ademas de comprar aqui. 43:42 " y bueno asi es como los latinos del area de la bahia les gusta pasarsela y divertirse durante esta epoca de navidad. desde san jose, blanca garza, telemundo....felices fiestas!" 43: 54 y asi nos

. >> >> welcome to union square in san francisco where shoppers are doing whatever it takes to get parking. >> i am handicapped. >> this drive is read into the line between the orange county. only a valet and business partners are led to drive through that pattern. they show this white car. >> i cannot open this. you have to go at around >> you just let somebody else ago. >> that is the lake, he worked for the grudge. >> at least let me >> come merry christmas. >> yes it is christmas and according to the assigned stupidest the noose smart. (honking) entry is the new happy. >> remember to eat your vegetables. remember to be good. and most of all and this is the big one remember do not to be a badly.. >> in san francisco stanley roberts prayed for kron4 news. >> this is the traffic if you need to go anywhere. this is in san jose. no. then set of traffic is no problems at all. it will be back. a lot more news for it. we are now just hours away from christmas day and 1 restaurants last minute holiday toy drive is kicking into high gear. today more news faster we talked to our sole reporter jon

. >>> people from around the bay area marked the start of hanukkah at union square in san francisco with lighting of a 25-foot menorah. each day for the next seven days at 4:30 the giants minority scheduled to be lived until all the candles are burning. >>> coming up on bay area news at 7:00, a deadly storm takes aim at the east coast. parts of whether caused devastation across the eastern seaboard. chief meteorologist bill martin joins us next on monday will see some rain drops. if there is no tv nearby, you can watch bay area news at 7:00 under computer. we are streaming live on the web at ktvu.com. >> -- on your computer. we are streaming live on the web at ktvu.com. >> high winds and heavy rain hitting the southeast are believed for at least two deaths. these storm systems product tornadoes to a city east of atlanta, georgia. there were reports of other damage in the northern states and also in new york. we are seeing a change in the weather. >> this change has been moving in. the clouds have warmed us up. tonight's overnight lows are still cold. you have seen clouds streaming into n

san francisco parking russian union square a great place to do some downtown shopping. up until today signs posted inside one people to report anyone taking pictures and reports them to security. kron 4 daniel explains why voters are not allowed and why that changed after a look into it. >> the parking rush to be one of the disease in san francisco. there is no surprise there, proximity does the best shopping in san francisco and other tourist attractions nearby make a higher late still desirable place to park. the last 80 months these signs posted weren't patrons because of terrorist activity taking photos of the crash is not allowed. and it is in taking photos in the crash should be reported to security. they drew criticism because the crash as some by the city and its public property. today we looked into more and a spokesperson from invisible transportation to the signs called slightly misleading were put in place by parking operator who is no longer working there and there are more of a way to ward off commercial photographers were approaching people the grosz to s

union square. a lot of these stores here, of course, catering to tourists. live in san francisco, kimberly terry, nbc bay area news. >> thanks very much, kimberly. americans at home and abroad celebrating christmas in both traditional and less than traditional ways. brian mooar has a look. >> from troops on the front lines to traditional gatherings at home. americans celebrated christmas 2010. and what says christmas better than surfing santas. 19 to be exact, hitting the holiday waves at florida's cocoa beach. >> it's pretty cool and funny watching santa surf. >> in orange california, these little stocking stuffers weren't delivered by st. nick, but what a holiday surprise. especially for one dad just back from afghanistan. >> having this bundle of joy full in a stocking right before christmas, i couldn't ask for a better miracle. >> speaking of surprises, mother nature delivered a big one to much of the south. nashville saw its first white christmas since 1993. and atlanta's hartsfield jackson airport hundreds of flights were struck before this storm even hit. bad weather groun

san francisco. sharon chin is in union square at today's holiday toy drive.ing. >> reporter: good morning, sydnie. here at lefty o'doul's restaurant they are for the tenth year in a row trying to collect toys. this year they are hoping to do that for 15,000 underprivileged children in san francisco. and so between now and 1 a.m., they are asking folks to come down and donate an unwrapped toy and as we listen to songs here from the stars of the future, giving back singers from the mission directed, we are going to talk to peggy, the executive director of the foundation for kids. you have done this for the last ten years. >> yes, i did. ♪ [ music ] >> i was asked to do it for a couple of hours and i ended up staying a whole day and it's ten years later so this is the best day of the year for us. >> reporter: what is the joy for? >> oh, my goodness. all these kids need help. listen to these kids from the mission district singing every morning. now we have gone through some of the toy shelves and we have seen that there is such an incredible need again this year.

>> welcome to julian square and san francisco shoppers are doing whatever it takes. unionis only valet parking. please go around the corner. people going and side waiting. if there this white card. >> and i cannot open this, because you to get around and get in line. >> you just let somebody else it go. >> and that is valet. i cannot. >> and his police and let me cross the other day. >> and. christmas! >> and stupid is the new smart and a greek is the new happy and santa claus has in place. >> remember to eat your vegetables, remember to eathe good, and remember, to not to not be badly. >> and its it is as close, stanley roberts, kron 4 news. >> the n.c.a.a. on the the ohio players for this selling their own property. and vern glenn wilson dowwill st down with players, coming up. >> right now, and kron 4 right before you go to holiday travel traffic. take a look to our traffic page. the color-coded map will tell you where to start, if there is work, and strategic weather up-to-the- minute camera coverage www.kron4.com >> we are back, that he reserves mike singletary, offic

san or fell. a lot stores open late. stanley roberts however looks at some shoppers not following the rules in today's edition of people behaving badly. >> welcome to union square in san francisco where less than shoppers are doing whatever it takes to get parking. drivers try and get inside the union square parking lot have to wait in line, inside the orange cones. if all the ballet and business owners are allowed to drive through the column. if they show this white card. that doesn't stop people from trying. >> this is a police man who let me cut across the other day. >> all i wish she was here now. >> while mary christmas. >> angry is the new happy were santa claus has a bit of advice from the shoppers. remember a teacher of the vegetables, remember to be good, remember to hydrate daily but most of all and this is the big one, remember do not behave badly. >> and san francisco stanley roberts kron 4 news. we'll be right back in two minutes as the kron 4 morning news continues until a lot o'clock p.m. while the latest on the airport delays. a live look from our roof cam in san francisco and i start to this christmas eve morning. will be right back coming up on 8:00 a.m. on th

. >> and in san francisco a holiday tradition going on now at union square this, is a live look we can show you of lefty o doul's restaurant where the christmas eve toy drive is well underway. they collect toys for needy children in the area. there is a kind gentleman in front. we appreciate that. people have been doing this all day long. thankfully, weather cooperated this year. and again this, is a live picture. this year when the word went out there may not be enough gifts, people responded. >> have you ever watched in delight as cars came by to donate to the san francisco firefighters annual toy drive? >> last year i took about 8,000 toys here, it's incredible. i believe the goal for this year is to have 10,000 toys. >> dob donations have been down. organizers have been putting out a call for more new toys to be dropped off starting at 5:00 this morning, the bar ask restaurant opened doors to anyone who would like to drop something off. and they have been. dropping off bags of gifts. >> it's the spirit of christmas. i'm doing well. i just wanted to give back to the community. >> th

actually we're talking about the man who appeared as santa claus at macy's in union square in san francisco. macy's fired him. he says a joke he's been telling for years a couple about his age who sat on his lap. he told us the joke. >> then i said you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time? and he said, no. and i said, well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> macy's wouldn't comment saying it's a personnel issue. but santa does have a new job down the street at lefty o 'doules that will pay him more money. >>> at the end of october, up 12% from september. it's the highest number of job listings for more than two years. in san francisco the focus today was putting more city residents to work. the board of supervisors approved a measure requiring city funded construction projects. the number will go up to seven. in five years. san francisco has $27 million in prompts planned for the next decade. >>> in news of the world tonight in haiti, a french scientist has determined the source of a cholera outbreak was more likely united nations peace keep

actually we're talking about the man who appeared as santa claus at macy's in union square in san francisco. macy's fired him. he says a joke he's been telling for years a couple about his age who sat on his lap. he told us the joke. >> then i said you know why santa is so happy and jolly all the time? and he said, no. and i said, well that's because santa knows where all the naughty girls and boys live. >> macy's wouldn't comment saying it's a personnel issue. but santa does have a new job down the street at lefty o 'doules that will pay him more money. >>> at the end of october, up 12% from september. it's the highest number of job listings for more than two years. in san francisco the focus today was putting more city residents to work. the board of supervisors approved a measure requiring city funded construction projects. the number will go up to seven. in five years. san francisco has $27 million in prompts planned for the next decade. >>> in news of the world tonight in haiti, a french scientist has determined the source of a cholera outbreak was more likely united nations peace keep

it is christmas eve and thousands of toys are still needed for the san francisco firefighters toy drive. sharon chin is in union squareanta's helpers are milwaukeeing a final push for donation. >>> between now and 1 a.m. they are going to try to collect 15,000 unwrapped toys for children in san francisco. this is part of the firefighters toy program. you get to see these kids receive the toys. >> we do. i do. as well as many other volunteers that are there. it is pretty moving especially in these nicknames to have an opportunity to give and meet people's needs. i'm also very touched by the generosity of gift-giving that i see on a daily basis. i applaud that. >> reporter: you really see this in the field , huh? >> there are people that come that typically would not be coming to get toys from us. it's really hard. it's pretty moving. ♪ [ music ] >> reporter: now, thank you, david. let me tell people how to give. come to lefty o'doul's and here on geary at powell you can just drive by and drop the gift off at the curb or if you are in san francisco, you can call a cab company and they will come for free and pick up the

in san francisco, if you are shopping in or around union square, head to the ellis o'fairel garage.alet, you can relax and let someone else find the parking spot. if you shop at daly city, the tip there, get off the freeway one exit earlier or later. or just head south. hillsdale mall is the proud owners of 5,900 parking spaces. even on the busiest of days, their lot does not fill up. and finally, there are the tips that work for any mall. shop early, shop late, or, of course, there's always shopping online. garvin thomas, "today in the east bay." >>> this morning the biggest loser celebrating a big win. the live season finale of the nbc show took place last night in southern california. it was close, but in the end patrick house from mississippi was named "the biggest loser." he dropped 181 pounds from 400 to 219. house talked about his win following the show. >> i was seriously down on my luck. i lost my job in january. i've been having to borrow money from family and friends just to make it through this year so winning this money will help my family get back up on my feet and i c

the santa worked at the macy's union square in san francisco and why asked why he is so jolly, he said he knows where all the naughty boys and girls live and he was fired. he said he has been saying it for 20 years. macy's would not comment. >>> the clock changed to 5:08. along the peninsula, it's moving nicely. construction picked up along 101. a nice drive from highway 92 up into the city. you are at the limit. southbound side between the san mateo and dumbarton bridges. both with a clear view will show you they are moving nicely and no cameras shaking. we had gusts of wind taking it on the hayward side and moving it around. a calmer drive across the section and the high-rise where sometimes we can get the gusts that will catch you from time to time. >> we want to check in with rob and take a look at the forecast and find out about those guys. >> not too bad and breezy conditions around parts of the bay area and san jose 45 degrees. into oakland, southeast at 7 and the camera is not bouncing around as much. into san francisco, light winds and you can see the reflection at 48 degrees

holiday inn express, which is a unique plan, only one is available in san francisco, again, will serve a different price point for union square. it will be more affordable to more tourist, more middle-income tourists that visit our city internationally and nationally and we'll still also serve business needs as mr.somanski showed there are business conference facilities so it will be a nice kind of hotel and particularly in that location consistent with what's in the rest of the neighborhood. the other point about the holiday inn express that's important to keep in mind that that's a category one significant building that's being preserved and used as a hotel. what i want to emphasize is -- and i think it's been emphasized, but to pull together, the 5th street property has to be approved in order for the o'farrell street property because of the way the hotel conversion ordinance works with the 23 vacant units going from that property over to 5th street to enable that to be a fully operational residential hotel and it's important to keep in mind that those 23 units will be subject to the hotel conversion ordinance which has ad