the past five years in santa clara county, 41 babies have died from unsafe sleeping practices. >> there's two -- two primary instances, one is where infants are bed sharing, either with an adult or older child, maybe even a large pet. and the second instance that we're seeing it is when infants are laid down on an unsafe sleeping surface, such as a couch and they subsequently become entrapped in between pillows or against a mattress and wall. >> reporter: doctors still recommend putting your baby to sleep on his back, but that's not enough. they say your baby should sleep in his own bed, a crib or bassenet with no extra bedding. babies don't have the neck strength to move if they get caught on blankets or crib bumpers. santa clara county launched a public health campaign to educate parents about the dangers of sleeping with a baby in their bed. it maybe convenient but it's dangerous. >> every day, i feel guilty t is my job as a mother to feel guilty. you know, i -- it was my job to protect him and somehow i did not do that. so, i -- i feel a strong sense of guilt. >> reporter: as she mour

versus other pacific railroad the railroad argued that it didn't have to pay its taxes to santa clara county because it paid a lower tax rate in santa ana county and a tax at it at two different rates in two different counties was a violation of its civil rights as a person and its rights to equal protection under the law under the fourteenth amendment when the core pointed out that it was an artificial person and thus not protected by the fourteenth amendment the railroad argued that the word person in the fourteenth amendment was not qualified wasn't preceded by the word natural and so therefore the word person the fourteenth amendment applied to both artificial and natural persons now frankly this was absurd on its face dolphin dulness the attorney for santa clara county argued before the supreme court that the assertion that railroads are the same kind of person as that protected by the fourteenth amendment was frankly stupid he said i presume the most ardent advocate of course of great quality of protection would hardly contend the corporations must a joy the right of testamentary dispo

out your name. >> jenny nicholas says on any given day 7,000 people live on the streets of santa clara countye country's wealthiest counties. she says this time of year is especially tough because of the cold weather. on some nights the demand is so high the shelters are forced to turn away dozens of people. they serve 10,000 adults and children who are homeless or at risk for homelessness. >>> coming up in just 90 seconds. they are prolific and bold but now they are busted. how the san jose police broke up a ring of graffiti vandals. >>> those holiday shopping bags may bring cheer to your loved ones but they may also bring you danger. police are stepping up patrols. >>> they tempted police with you tube videos showing vandals painting graffiti. >>> the abrupt closure of this walnut creek jewish center is leaving teachers and children in the lurch. what we just learned in the last hour. >>> good ev -- evening i'm ken wayne. frank somerville is off tonight. >> and i'm julie haener. robert handa is live now in san jose with how vandals may have slipped up, robert. >> reporter: there had been mo

a lot of the watershed is in santa clara county. our county approached a sister agency in santa clara county and they agreed that we should work with just the one and they would provide out reach. we have been doing this now for just over three years. as a consequence, they provide a really unique opportunity to work directly with contractors and agencies to implement the project. the first was to provide outreach up to the top of the watershed and to contact the private land owners and talk about easements. the goal is to not make all of this green. we just want to see it protected. we have been very busy for the past five and a half years and that has cleared all of our environmental permitting hurdles but we continue to protect the resources in this watershed. when it became clear to us that the mitigation requirements would extend both in time and increase the dollar amount come we knew we had to take this back to our commission. greenough that our permit conditions drove the date and the amendment. -- we know that our permit con

in may, the santa clara district attorney's office had to review hundreds of dui cases after learning field breathalyzers were faulty. now, santa clara county is about to get 13 new breathalyzer machines that will help officers get reliable test results faster. timing is key. >> there is a rule of thumb that it decreases .02 per hour. the sooner we can get it taken, it is more of an accurate reading of what we are seeing. >> reporter: they award the santa clara county d.a.'s office a $161,000 grant to buy the machines. ten 12-year-old machines will be replaced in field stations. three more will be added to new field stations. having more locations and state-of-the-art equipment will help land convictions. >> with new technology, the more accurate the test is, the better it is for us to validate what we are doing, what we are seeing. much easier for a judge and a jury to say, yeah, you are under the influence. >> in 2009, 950 people in california were killed in accidents involving drunk drivers. >> reporter: the new machines are expected to arrive in three to four weeks. reporting in san jose, jean elle. >>> one of the oldest businesses is c

the number peaked in 2008 when 82 people died in the streets of santa clara county. it's been requesting down steadily since then until this year. jenny nichols says this has been a tough year noting that their fight against homelessness has gotten worse. >> we get to know these people. we get to know how old they are, we know how they died. it breaks my heart to know that you can live your life and die and there is no one there to claim your name. it is a true honor to be able to do this for them. >> on any given day, 7000 people sleep on the streets of santa clara county, nichols say. there are some nights they are forced to turn away dozens of people over here in the winter. lorraine blanco, ktvu channel 2 news. >>> in just the past two hours, two suspects in the brutal beating of san francisco giants fan appeared in court. today, the judge set a preliminary hearing in the case for january 17th. both men pleaded not guilty and are being held without bail. brian stowe is continuing therapy at a rehabilitation facility and celebrated thanksgiving with his family. >>

according to realfax.com the average rent in santa clara county is up 13% compared to last year. in cupertino, rent has jumped 18%. the arch price for a one-bedroom apartment there is a little more than $1800. some people say that's not necessarily a bad thing. >> the facts that represents are rising is really a good thing. more jobs come into the area. more people come into the area. those peep spend money. in santa clara county the rate is a mere 4%. >>> congress is dealing with a big time tax issue of its own. this year payroll taxes dropped 2%. president obama says that is allowed to expire it would be a huge blow to the economy. congress is scheduled to vote this week. ready to rally? for more on that and news before the bell, let's turn to that with jackie live at cnbc headquarters. good morning, jackie. >> good morning to you. the futures are hovering around the flat line after being lowered after the monster rally that saw the dough post the best day since 2009. it was triggered by the fed and other central banks to lower the cost of short-term loans that banks that could

. >> reporter: the family called the santa clara county sheriff's office.hey came and dusted for fingerprints and looking for those responsible. the home is in a rural area with one way in and out. the family says they must have been watching to see when they left that thursday morning. the presents can mostly be replaced. what they're concerned about is their dog so if you have seen the dog or know anything about this alleged burglary, you are asked to call the santa clara county sheriff's office. nbc bay area news. >> thank you. >>> while the grinch hit this year, there are reminders of goodwill. we have seen the work of the layaway angels that paid off layaway bills and this week a big family donation, a check in to a salvation army kettle, anonymous donor slipping a $10,000 check in to a red kettle in menlo park. thought to be the largest donation in california in the 110-year history. enough money to put up more than 160 homeless people for a night. >> it was a personal check that was typed and the people from carmel that left the check and left a dona

santa clara county did its part by sending a testing bus to campus. we have more on the story. >> reporter: more than 1 million people in the united states are living with hiv. according to the center for disease control and prevention, one in five is unaware of their infection. >> our age group between 25 and under 25 even is the largest number of hiv cases. >> on thursday, santa clara county provided free and hiv testing for students and staff. the testing bus administered hiv or equipped tests which involve an oral swap and a 20 minute wait. >> it is really important for students to be tested regularly for stds and hiv, all stds because some of the stds even lead to a greater incidence. >> human immuno deficiency disease, the only defense to diseases. the virus is primarily spread will you unprotected sex with someone who has hiv, share as good syringes or being born to an infected mother. >> i myself got tested today and i definitely my friend said it is not that big of a deal. it is just snag needs to be made -- something that needs to be made aw

. >> if you drink and drive this holiday weekend santa clara county, officers will be looking for you. santa clara county sheriffs and california highway patrol are setting up dui checkpoints as part of a nationwide "drive sober or get pulled over" crackdown. the checkpoints and extra patrols will be up and running through new years. >>> the slow economic recovery is not keeping people off the roads this holiday season. they're getting a small reprieve in the form of lower gas prices. "today in the bay's" monte ellis is leave in fremont with more. good morning, monte. >> reporter: good morning. aaa says more than 11 million californians will travel more than 50 miles from home this holiday season. the good news is there's been a slight drop in the price of gas. in fremont it's 3:53 a gallon. we have a graphic showing other prices from across if bay area. the average price went down five cents in fast two weeks n. san francisco gas is averaging $3.57, among the highest in the nation. oakland is $3.5 and san jose is $3.45. all those prices are higher than last year. the number of califo

santa clara county was the fastest growing. san francisco came in second. >>> 4:54 right now t.anta clara city council must sign an $850 million loan to help fund a new stadium in order to move the 49ers to the south bay. council crunched the numbers for the first time in public last night. the plan is to use stadium revenue to pay off that loan. revenue the 49ers say is already pouring in. luxury suite sales have reached $2 $200 million. >>> professor george foster says the financing solid and the deal protects santa clara. >> the cost overruns on the stadium are guaranteed by the team. there's no chance that those overrun also be borne by the city. >>> time to check the commute one last time for this half hour. mike inouye here to tell all. >> we have a new accident on the each shore freeway. westbound 80 as you're approaching willow avenue just before you get to highway 4. an accident had been blocking two lanes. one of those lanes is cleared, but they still have a vehicle stuck in your third lane. that's one of your middle lanes. i did see some slowing over the last few minu

santa clara county is giving you a break. drivers who got traffic tickets before january 1st of 2009 can get a 50% discount during the first six months of next year. this includes tickets for violations such as speeding and running a red light. it does not include dui or reckless driving penalties and parking tickets. >>> a handgun at the center of a deadly officer-involved shooting has also turned out to be a murder weapon. a san jose officer shot and killed valente galindo last week after they say galindo pointed a semi-automatic weapon at him. ballistics say that gun was used for a murder two months ago. investigators are looking into whether there is a connection between the two. >>> a south bay woman who had her wheelchair stolen got a gift. someone stole her $4,000 electric wheelchair from her home. a sunnyvale couple hurd about the crime and drove to swift's santa clara apartment and gave her a wheelchair just like the one she had. >> there's no expression of gratitude, just gratitude and joy. >> swift has been getting

. >> reporter: the family called the santa clara county sheriff's office.icers came and dusted for fingerprints and are looking for those responsible. the home is in a rural area with one way in and out. the family says whoever did it must have been watching to see when they left on thursday morning. again, the family says most of the presents can be replaced. what they're most concerned about right now is their dog sharkey. if you've seen this dog or know anything about this alleged burglary you are asked to call the santa clara county sheriff's office. live in morgan hill, kimberly tere, nbc bay area news. >>> thank you. in san francisco volunteers are working their 11th annual christmas eve toy drive. firefighters, police, and lefty's all team up to collect toys for san francisco's neediest children and organizers say there are 2500 kids whose only christmas presents will likely be donated toys. they hope to beat last year's numbers when they collected some 10,000 presents. >> now is the time. tomorrow is the day. make happy kids all over the world. >> 3

. >> this is great news for san jose and santa clara county. communities, and residents. >> reporter: some are satisfied for now. >> going all of the way downtown is better for me because i live downtown but this is good, too. it makes it easier for me to commute. >> reporter: silicone valley leaders say it will boost the economy. >> it creates 13,000 jobs over the four year life of this first 10 mile segment. >> reporter: a b.a.r.t extension from fremont to san jose can help commuters in peninsula because the extension will run through milpitas connecting them by light rail. >> our residents voted for the tax measure in 2008. i think it is because they saw the add connection. >> reporter construction will begin in february and finish in about five years. bta expects $9 million if federal funds to complete the extension. robert honda, ktvu channel 2 newsism people that drive through the nimis highway. they are metering lights. the smokes man says the stretch of road will be a freeway onramp. the $480 million widening and repaving project is sch

downtown san jose and santa clara but they say this is the start. >> it's a major step, and one that there's no turning back at this point. >> this is great news for san jose, santa clara countymmuters, workers, and residents, because we're finally going to get the bart project moving. >> reporter: some commuters are satisfied for now. >> going all the way downtown would be better for me since i live downtown. but this is still good too. it makes it easier for me to commute if i need to. >> reporter: silicone valley leaders say the project will boost the economy. >> this creates 13,000 jobs over the four-year life of this first 10 mile segment. >> reporter: a bart extension from fremont to san jose could also help peninsula commuters such as in sunny veil and mountain view because the extension will run through milpedas connecting the cities by light rail. >> i come from mountain view. our residents voted overwhelmingly for the tax measure in 2008. and i think it's because they saw the added connections. >> reporter: bta says that taxpayer support will help convince the federal government to chip in $900 million for the next phase. for now, ground break willing take place ear

the santa clara county's sheriff's office is handling the investigation. tara moriarty, ktvu channel 2 news. >>> 7:31. injured giants' fan bryan stow appeared in his first television interview since that brutal beating back in march. he was able to hold a simple conversation. bryan stow was in a rehab center. he was brutally beaten outside of dodger stadium in march. doctors say the frontal lobe of his brain was damaged. that's the area that controls decision making and his personality. for the first time bryan's friends talk about the attack. they say he was sucker punched and repeatedly kicked. >> jeff and i got to him at the same type, we pleaded for these guys to stop. >> now, the suspects are charged in the beating case and both have pled not guilty. his speech and mobility may get better. doctors expect some kind of permanent disability. >>> 7:32. oakland police have a mystery to solve and they are hoping that a dress will help them do it. police found a woman wearing this dress last thursday on the rocks of the oakland estuary. she was barely consci

the average rent in santa clara county is up 13% compared to last year. cupertino has seen the biggest increase, up nearly 18% compared to this time last year. shopping for a one-bedroom pad, the average rent in cupertino is $1851. >> what we're seeing here in the south bay is an increase in rends, dramatically, double-digit growth and reason is because of the number of jobs in the area. we've got jobs growing primarily due to high tech. high tech is bringing people in and people need a place to live. >> reporter: in santa clara county the average vacancy rate is only 3.9%. experts say even those with disposable income are still forced to rent because they can't qualify for a loan to buy a home, which means if you're stopping for a rental, expect lots of competition and few bargains. rents are definitely not leveled off. in fact experts say expect to see higher rents next year as well. reporting live, marianne favro, nbc bay area news. >> given that news, that sobering news, this is good news. it's been a huge day for your stock portfolio. business and te

the fire started around 4:30 this morning. >>> starting today santa clara county will offer amnesty to low level offenders. >> it's world aids day. a live picture here from the white house. observances planned at noon at the aids memorial grove in golden gate park and a vigil tonight in the castro district. >>> how about a word from weather? here's lawrence. >> it's continuing to blow. some gusty winds, boy, pushing a lot of debris around on the roads so watch out for that this morning. 38-mile-an-hour winds in mountain view, 33 in livermore, 28 in san jose, and 22 in concord. stronger than that over the mountaintops, gusts in excess of 70 miles per hour. needless to say high wind warnings have been dropped by the national weather service in the mountains and the east bay but be careful as we are seeing strong winds across the mountain peaks. high wind warnings in the north bay and wind advisory down below so going to still see blustery day around the bay area today. no getting around. that temperatures out the door mild in spots. 50s and windy. by the afternoon, plenty of sunshine, an

in alameda county 485 people have been taken into custody, in santa clara county there have been 279 arrest, and sonoma county their 132 and 111 in san a tael. this started back on december 16th. officers that we spoke with describe what they would do if they suspect a drug driver a.--a drunk driver. >> we will talk to them for a few minutes, if we do not see any signs of impairment, we just send them away. >>reporter: with new year's eve falling on a saturday night thousands expect to attend the festivities on the embarcadero. barricades are already up. there'll be plenty of police in the area that includes dui checkpoints. keep in mind is no street parking after 4:00 p.m.. and warning signs are up to tell drivers to expect delays and they are encouraging everyone to take public transportation. they're also getting ready for the new year in the south bay big crowds are expected in downtown san jose. it is friday and some people are picking up spots in which they want to celebrate. and a lot of deliveries are being made to restaurants and bars. >> today i delivered about 55 cakes so f

in the east bay valleys, santa clara county, also portions of the central valley.ot of areas below freezing, definitely colder than yesterday. some spots nearly 25 degrees colder. so you will definitely feel it if you are about to step outside. 27 degrees right now in santa rosa. 24 fairfield. 29 livermore. 39 oakland. 34 redwood city. so once again out the door, we have fog and low clouds out there but cool. that's the big story this morning. and the winds are just not as strong so that's what's keeping us on the colder side. different story by this afternoon the the temperatures go up to at or mostly seasonal but a few degrees above average actually in some places. but definitely a little colder today than we saw yesterday afternoon. but if you like sunshine, we are still bringing back the sun mixed in with clouds. high pressure remains for the next couple of days three the holiday season. we'll get a check of your seven- day forecast coming up. if you are planning to traveling travel for the holidays this is what it looks like for northern california. eureka 53,

he's in the santa clara prevention oversight committee. 150 suicides on average per year here in santa clara county terry mcsweeney, abc7 news. >>> as you might imagine we are getting reaction to this new program. angie: i think is an awesome idea i lost a loved one to suicide. >> this sounds promising if one life can be saved then it is totally worth the effort. >> you too can join the conversation at facebook.com/abc7news. >>> new federal report shows many head start preschool programs are full of safety violations. the report looked at 175 facilities in seven states, 13 in california. some were shocking, machete and hedge trimmer found near a play area. 90% of the facilities had toxic chemicals and cleaning supplies easily accessible more than 70% had open or broken gates and fences. almost all failed to conduct criminal background checks on all instructors. some of the facilities have had their headstart funding revoked. most have corrected the problem. >>> is that fog or haze? >> a little of both, absolutely. it is slowly lifting which is good news a lot of sunshine in the forecast. one small

he's in the santa clara prevention oversight committee. 150 suicides on average per year here in santa clara county. terry mcsweeney, abc7 news. >>> as you might imagine we are getting reaction to this new program. angie: i think is an awesome idea i lost a loved one to suicide. >> this sounds promising if one life can be saved then it is totally worth the effort. >> you too can join the conversation at facebook.com/abc7news. >>> new federal report shows many head start preschool programs are full of safety violations. the report looked at 175 facilities in seven states, 13 in california. some were shocking, machete and hedge trimmer found near a play area. 90% of the facilities had toxic chemicals and cleaning supplies easily accessible more than 70% had open or broken gates and fences. almost all failed to conduct criminal background checks on all instructors. some of the facilities have had their headstart funding revoked. most have corrected the problem. >>> is that fog or haze? >> a little of both, absolutely. it is slowly lifting which is good news a lot of sunshine in the forecast. one small

. >>> santa clara county today launched a new campaign to educate parents about a potentially deadly . the safe sleep awareness campaign was announced in response to 41 infant deaths in the past six years in santa clara county. health officials say all were because of unsafe sleeping. the goal of the new campaign is to make sure parents know that infants should sleep alone on their backs in a crib or bassinett. >>> we expect to see a boom right from the day they start construction. >>> however environmental groups say not so fast. they vow to challenge the decision before the san francisco board of supervisors. >> some of the things we're concerned about is shoreline impacts. birds and plants, we want to make sure they are adequate plans for signage and monitors to keep people out of sensitive areas. >> reporter: america's cup officials say they can wait a little longer to begin construction but not too long. boosters of the race claim it'll bring $1.3 million in revenue to the pay area. ktvu.com has more on the plans being made for the america's club including a video report card. lo

santa clara's county is made possible by 63.rees with mental health leaders that prevention and early intervention is the key. >> one of the great stigmas around mental health is those living with mental illness is prone to violence. it's not true. >> understand what's going on and deescalate the situation and get the person into services. >> organizers say they are getting request from all over the nation. >>> the new terminal is getting a new distinction today. the u.s. council awarded gold status to the 383 million dollar terminal because because of the many attributes supporting green practices. terminal two opened in may and is 15% more energy efficient than california's building code requires. all water use is proclaimed. all of the containers and packaging are organic and local food vendors must be made from recycled material. >>> midnight tonight is the deadline for the third early bird drawing for the marin dream house raffle. tonight's deadline is for a $25,000 cash prize. all the early drawings are meant to build up t

. >>> a family in southern santa clara county is making an emotional plea after a heartful cry. made off with the family's christmas presents. think they also stole their beloved dog, named sharkey. this makes a painful holiday season. >> one request. >> he means a lot to me. i really love him. just give him back. >> they have been able to get fingerprints for test that could lead to arrest. >>> well, you can't pick up, but you get ahead. one medical marijuana reinvented itself. : the fog continues to finger. rose will be here to tell us how much things are going to be. >>> preparing to make big changes. >>> closed captioning brought to you by ram. >>> well, shoppers in london packed department stores this morning. look at them run in there. it is boxing dale sale, one of the most popular stores. shopping center in northwest london said 10,000 people came through its door in the first hour it was open. now, there was initially some concern about post-christmas sales because of the london subway workers. two had been suspended making it difficult for londonners to get around. >>>

. >>> santa clara county today launched a new campaign to educate parents about a potentially deadly the safe sleep awareness campaign was announced in response to 41 infant deaths in the past six years in santa clara county. health officials say all were because of unsafe sleeping. the goal of the new campaign is to make sure parents know that infants should sleep alone on their backs in a crib or bassinett. >>> we expect to see a boom right from the day they start construction. >>> however environmental groups say not so fast. they vow to challenge the decision before the san francisco board of supervisors. >> some of the things we're concerned about is shoreline impacts. birds and plants, we want to make sure they are adequate plans for signage and monitors to keep people out of sensitive areas. >> reporter: america's cup officials say they can wait a little longer to begin construction but not too long. boosters of the race claim it'll bring $1.3 million in revenue to the pay area. ktvu.com has more on the plans being made for the america's club including a video report card. loo

compare that to the overall unemployment rate in santa clara county.ries. it's more than triple that. it's 9.8%. marla, laura. >> bob, thank you. >> advertise the season and marines are collecting toys for to the this is tots in the south bay. scott budman is live at the toys "r" us in san jose, showing us how to get in on the action. good morning, my friend. how are you? >> good morning. we are well. and i'll tell you this is a great day and a lot of presents are going to be delivered and bought today. 1082. i understand you have tens of thousands of dollars to spend today. >> in the last week or so we have raised $32,000 in donations from people in the bay area. we'll make them happy at christmas time. >> these guys are so popular. they've had viewers come up with toys and presents and what things are hot that you're going to buy for the kids? >> with the amount of money we've raised, we can take carts, go down the aisles and just sweep them clean. so we're going to be -- i mine, it starts right there with the barbies. you can see them behind you. an

. >>> and now the park is located near morgan hill and santa clara county the parks department are going to keep the park open through 2015 and 15 state parks originally slated foreclosure are likely to stay open now because of new partnerships. >> i think this is two or three years at the most and we are hoping at that time, our economist will improve and we will get out of this recession... >> state parks in marin counties are also staying open. >>> the man accused of a shooting on black friday in marin county will be charged with two counts of attempted robbery and murder and one count of attempted robbery. >>> during a botched robbery, watson was arrested outside of an east oakland home after hours long standoff with police. police are still looking for two other men believed to be involved in that shooting. >>> penn state hearing for former head coach is set to get underway in about an hour. some of the young men and teenagers are expected to take the stand today. >> reporter: good morning, it will be the first time at the courthouse where jerry sandusky will come face to face with

in santa clara county, it is down from last year. >>> a battery could have made the difference betweenife and death in san leandro a woman and her two dogs were killed when her home caught fire early yesterday morning. investigators say valerie rogers died in her bedroom most likely from smoke inhalation. they also say she did not have working smoke alarms in her home. >> it is always important to make sure you have the important amount of smoke detectors in your home. >>> investigators are still looking for the cause of that deadly fire. it appears the flames started in the kitchen or hallway and quickly spread to the attic. >>> they are going public about a recent crime spree that could affect thousands of bay area customers. a supermarket chain is recommending shoppers review their bank accounts for any suspicious activity. they have check outs on four stores. they asked them to check their bank account activity to make sure there is nothing suspicious. now the adds also assure people it is safe to shop at lucky. greeting the people is a good idea. >>> now going to our website to ge

million construction contract to a builder who will lay tracks and the electric third rail into santa clara county for the first time. >> it's a milestone for both vta and moving the project forward and it's a huge milestone for santa clara county. >> reporter: now they need $900 million in federal funds, expected to be approved in february. south bay voters already approved to fund the project with sales tax increase to. >> this closes the transportation loop for the bay area. >> reporter: construction on bart's extension to fremont's warm springs district is well under way already. the new extension would run along existing rail lines 10 miles from warm springs to berryessa in san jose with a stop in milpitas along the way. >> the commute is bad in the morning. if you are able to open up san jose as a place to work, that would be great. >> reporter: groundbreaking and construction is due to begin in the spring of 2012. and if all goes according to plan, the trains will be running to san jose by 2016. but farther into the future and as yet still very uncertain is the extension that would take bar

there were 279 arrest in santa clara county one-hundred 32 in sonoma and 111 in san mateo county.se four counties actually saw off your rest than they did this time last year. we have a quick break as a kron4 morning news continues. we have a live look outside a san francisco the fog is trying to lift some areas with clear skies the most of the bay area has some dense fog and heavy drizzle. here is a reminder about new year's live. this is the bay area's only local way to ring in the new year. it is hosted by gary radnich, catherine heenan and new year's live is monad 11:30 p.m.. 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 ] call at&t today to get high speed internet for just $14.95 a month for 12 months with a 1-year price guarantee. it's the fastest internet for the price. oooh. videos online?

. >>> rocket ship education has the green light to open 20 new charter schools in santa clara county. according to news, they voted to expand the program over the next four years. the schools are located in the county port communities, and students are excelling academically. but the program is controversial because the rocketshipboard is a elected. >>> santa cruz residents are in the dark because they removed g pg& e models for their home. they brought the meters to the office to turn them in. residents say the wireless meters are causing health problems. >> i said, i just want the same that they've gotten. she said that's not an option. the puppy promised to provide them with a digital smart meter. residents say they with just want analog meters. 4:37 now. a day for the history books. this morning the u.s. military. the soldiers are preparing to leave the country. troops put down the last u.s. flags marking the end of the nine-year war. the remaining 4,000 troops will leave iraq by the end of the year, and less than 200 soldiers will remain in front of the commission. secretary of d

. >>> well, one family in southern santa clara county is make an emotional plea after a heartless holidayrime. last week someone broke into the home near morgue be hill and made off with most of the family's christmas presents. the family thinks the thieves also stole their beloved dog. the little chihuahua is named sharky. and his disappearance is making this a very painful holiday season. family members have one -- have one request. >> he means a lot to me. i really love him. please give him back. >> the fingerprints gathered from the scene have been sent to the lab that could lead to an arrest. >>> oakland police are on the hunt for a potential serial robber. he's described as african- american, between 5'5" and 5'6", weighing between 150 and 160. he has black hair, brown eyes, a beard and he's probably in his 30s. he wore glasses and a coat during each robbery. on december 13th, he walked up to a teller on chase bank on international boulevard and demad money. three days later, he demad money -- he demanded money from a teller. there is $1,000 reward. >>> a new report finds people are

quo is no more. >> now, the latino leadership alliance wants the board of education here in santa clara county to say no to rocketship, at least until february, so that they can work out some of the kinks. although we're not sure if that's going to happen. many of the board members say this has been in the works for three years. and it's time to move forward with the progress. they're hoping this will help slow the achievement gap by 2020. >>> $700 and much-needed donations gone. a school district spokeswoman said franklin middle school was having their annual musical celebration when four men nd ran the cash box from the school. the event is one of the school's biggest fund-raisers. >>> no soft cone for you. novato officials banned ice cream trucks near schools. they're no longer allowed within 1,500 feet of private schools. finally, it let officials to approve the ban. kids dart into the street trying to go after those trucks. >>> still ahead at 6:00, families stuck in the middle. the first of the program of its kind to help students afford college education. >>> a woman died with stage 4 ca

. >>> new tonight at 6:00, the santa clara county sheriff's office released two surveillance videos from store robbery in cupertino monday. the video shows three armed men wearing black ski mafbs and dark pants who took everything inside. they hit a couple of employees over the head but they were not seriously hurt. anyone with information is urged to call the santa clara county sheriff's office. >>> a suspected serial arsonist behind bars tonight. 53-year-old thomas hartman from pittsburg is accused of setting dumpster fires at shopping centers in the last couple of years. fire officials became aware of him after looking at surveillance video. hartman is accused of setting 50 fires. fortunately no one was hurt in these fires. damage estimated in tens of thousands of dollars. >>> some california police officers could be in hot water. departments throughout the state are being investigated for illegal gun sales to civilians. federal investigators have not said what kinds of weapons were involved but did say they were the kind that only officers can buy. officers throughout california have

in santa clara county, 279 arrests. in sonoma county, 132, and 111 in san mateo county. that crackdown began december 1. it is continuing tonight, of course. in the first two hours at a checkpoint tonight, officers arrested a driver suspected of driving under the influence. they did field sobriety testing on this woman. in the breathalyzer test, it indicated she's over the legal limit. the reading there was .168. >> the contact is very brief, about 30 seconds to ask how they're doing, hand them a brosure and if we don't see any signs of impairment, we send them on their way. >> and officers were towing away some cars. the checkpoint will wrap up at 2:00 this morning. >>> two people are recovering tonight after a midmorning drive-by shooting in the east bay. this was the scene near 82nd at golf links and east oakland. police say that the victims were in a red suv when somebody fired into the car. the two people are expected to survive. no arrests have been made. >>> prosecutors say the woman accused of killing a bay area nursing student first stalked her victim. investiga

. >> tonight, an organization in santa clara county is making sure needy families have happy holidays. catholic charities will be busy in december. this weekend they helped 800 families impacted by incarceration with food and gifts for the coming days. >> bikes, boxes of fews to ensure every family has a family meal. gift cards, warm pajamas, blocks and toys and games and anything a young child might want. >> corporations and individuals adopt families through the holidays. thousands of needy families will be helped through the year and if you'd like to donate, drop your item off at the charity's gift center on jackson avenue. >> leigh glaser is here, just a little cold out there. >> leigh: just a little chilly out there. temperatures only in the mid-to-low 50s across the bay area. you can see the twinkly lights on market street. live doppler 7hd probably notice the clouds increasing throughout most of the afternoon. the live doppler 7hd picking up moisture. this is a -- very we can, half moon bay reporting a little light moisture. redwood city, towards milpitas, san jose, sunnyvale,

. >> catholic charities of santa clara county began handing out guests in san jose to families impacted criminal justice system. >> they have a warehouse of toys for kids and food for hungry families. they helped 800 people and the charity will assist thousands more throughout the month of december. >> that does it for us here at 5:00. >> thank you for joining us.

. >>> tomorrow, the 25th annual union community resources party is taking place at the santa clara countyairgrounds. more than 9,000 children are expected to attend, but only 5,5 5,000 toys have been collected. officials are blaming a struggling economy for the slow response. >> it has to do with what's going on with the economy, certainly. and there are much more people in need. a lot more people out of work this year. and many, many more people came in to ask us for help. so we're caught with one day until the event and a few thousand toys short. we hope people will continue to be generous. >> you can still donate toys to the give away. a truck will be waiting at the santa clara valley labor center in san jose tomorrow morning. the festivities are set to begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 4:00 p.m. >>> it was bell ringing at its best. the bell rung out after more than two days of continuous ringing. >> around noon today, after 51 hours, 10 minutes, 25 seconds, he gave up his quest. there were 23 people across the country vying for the title when the quest began on thursday. but as of lat

santa clara county is going to give you a break. drivers who got traffic tickets before january 1, 2009, can get a 50% discount during the first six months of next year. that includes speeding, running a red light. but it doesn't include dui, reckless driving and parking tickets >>> bay area airports bustling are holiday travelers today and sfo expects the busiest day of the year is with 134,000 people passing through up 5% from last year. it's estimated 30% of all americans are on the move for the holidays. passengers reminded, check your flight before you head to the airport. >> the weather this time of year is very, very unpredictable so regardless of your destination, if you are going to hawaii that plane may have started today in new york or philadelphia so double the check to make sure your flight is on time. >> i don't know, roberta. the weather unpredictable? another holiday travel tip, don't wrap your gifts before you fly in case they have to be opened by security. >> obviously they are not watching channel 5 if they say th

if you drink and drive this holiday weekend in santa clara county, officers will be looking for you. a clara county sheriffs and the california highway patrol are setting up a series of dui checkpoints. it's part of the nationwide drive, sober or get pulled over crackdown on drunken driving. the checkpoints and extra police patrols will be up and running through new year's. >>> 5:34. millions of californians are hitting the road this holiday season despite the slow economic recovery, getting a bit of relief at the pumps. "today in the bay's" monte ellis is live in fremont with more. >> reporter: aaa says more than 11 million californians are hitting the road. the good news is there's a slight drop in the price of gas. in fremont, $3.53 a gallon. a look at other prices across the bay area. across the board, the average price went down about five cents in fast two weeks. in san francisco, $3.57, in oakland $3.53 and in san jose $3.45. the number of californians on the road is up from last year by about 4%. aaa says people are traveling but doing it on a budget and maybe not traveling as

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. >>> santa clara county is offering a delayed christmas present to those with unpaid parking tickets. 50% off for certain tickets. the outstanding traffic case due to be paid in full and the last date on the payment january 1st, 2009. no civil assessment fee. the -- [ unintelligible ] the program stars monday. >>> right now aviation -- investigators looking into three airplane emergencies in northern california. a southwest flight this morning made an emergency landing after being hit by a bird shortly after takeoff. the 737 was grounded temporarily while crews checked for damage. flight 1166 took off bound for ontario, 25 onboard, nobody hurt. another investigation after a southwest airlines jet had to an individual tack off when two tires blew out last night -- takeoff when two tires blew out last night, 130 onboard, crews were called in to hose down the plane as a precaution. officials say crews inspected the runways but didn't find debris that could have been responsible forever the ruptures. all passengers were rebooked. >>> right now federal aviation investigators are on the sc

almost half of the arrests in alameda county, for under 85, there were two of the 79 arrested in santa clara county. 111 arrested in san mateo county. those counties saw fewer arrests this year than they did last year. and $80,000 warrant has been issued for this woman. erica wrote. she struck a man with her car in oakland on wednesday while fleeing from fremont police officers. the officers were tried to arrest her on two previous warrants. the officers or on such if on the coast road who was in a car finn 98 avenue. police say she drove on this dialogue yen hit a man who just exited a liquor store. if the mayor remains hospitalized with serious but not life-threatening injuries. if she is still on the list. >>mark: check out his robust, police seized these drugs from bay area students who were on a bus trips. the drugs were confiscated from 2 to 50 students ranging in age from 15-20. mostly marijuana and alcohol. the students were on buses headed to solid city utah for a ski trip organized by summer than winter action trips. firth and no arrests were made. >> i had an opportunity to take a microp

we see all the time about how many people die in santa clara county every year. it's more than a dozen. >> yeah. we've lost several this year already. we keep a running list. it's very unfortunate, but it is part of the job. the guys are great out here. people are great. appreciate to have a place liken vision. we welcome them, especially tonight. we'll make the announcement, post some signs. folks can come in. we usually get four or five guys throughout the night here that come on in. again, intoxicated or not, you're welcome to come in. we're trying to help people not die. >> thank you very much, lori kol linsz, the director here at envision where they're providing res spite for the homeless. >> they help so many people, including a lot of families. >>> time to check out the cold weather with meteorologists christina loren to tell us, it will get warmer later in the day. >> yeah. you'll see a really nice second half of the day. but it is so cold out there. clear conditions, full-on sunshine later on. it's the clear conditions that are making for a very, very co

santa clara. santa clara county voter as proved two sales tax measures, one in 2000, another in 2008. now, that money will be put to use. >> this is great it ais proved. >> local funding all but guarantees a grant next year in what supporters call a home run for silicon valley. >> we know we're in it for the long haul and economic vitality and the environmental improvements. >> if this stays on schedule, the 10 mile extension will be ready, up and, and running in four years late 2016 or early 2017. in fremont, abc 7 news. >> the family of a little boy critically wounded during a mass shooting in oakland agreed to take him off life support. hiram lawrence was in his father's arms when a bullet struck his head, happening during a shootout where friends were filming a rap video. yesterday, and again, today, doctors conducted tests and determined hiram has no brain activity. today, his family bought in their own pediatrician who concurred with the findings. the family's attorney tells abc 7 he will be taken off life support as early as tomorrow afternoon. >> they have to accept the fact t

. >>> santa clara county is offering a delayed christmas present to those with unpaid parking tickets. 50% off for certain tickets. the outstanding traffic case due to be paid in full and the last date on the payment january 1st, 2009. no civil assessment fee. the -- [ unintelligible ] the program stars monday. >>> right now aviation -- investigators looking into three airplane emergencies in northern california. a southwest flight this morning made an emergency landing after being hit by a bird shortly after takeoff. the 737 was grounded temporarily while crews checked for damage. flight 1166 took off bound for ontario, 25 onboard, nobody hurt. another investigation after a southwest airlines jet had to an individual tack off when two tires blew out last night -- takeoff when two tires blew out last night, 130 onboard, crews were called in to hose down the plane as a precaution. officials say crews inspected the runways but didn't find debris that could have been responsible forever the ruptures. all passengers were rebooked. >>> right now federal aviation investigators are on the sc

contra costa, alameda and santa clara counties all down 0.4%. the lowest marin at 6.9%. most of the new jobs came in trade, transportation, and utilities. but get this, 2 million people in california still without work and once that holiday hiring season dies down, we'll see if these encouraging numbers have some staying power. i'm grant lotus, kron4 news. >>> several san francisco groups are appealing a final environmental impact report for the america's cup sailing race. this comes after the city's planning commission unanimously approved the review, that was last night. environmental and community groups, though, want an expanded report, including the impact on neighborhoods near the water. plans for the america's cup include the construction of a new cruise ship terminal at pier 27 and venues for entertainment, spectator areas. the america's cup races are scheduled to start in august of next year. >>> stay with us. more news after the break. Ñx keurig has over 200 varieties from 20 leading brands, including tully's. it's the way to brew everyone's favorite cup in und

but these santa clara county inmates are doing the same job as the man it red only they're in black and white. >> i feel disappointed in myself that i'm here but i'm glad that i can help. >> reporter: inmates at the elmwood correctional facility in milpitas have been working on these wooden toys all year. >> it makes the time go by faster. >> reporter: they are being donated to toys for tots run by the u.s. marines. >> to an unfortunate family, a toy is a toy. to me, i grew up not having christmases. you know? so it's one way of the county, the marine corps, hey, merry christmas. >> reporter: this inmate was familiar with the program. he used to be a marine. >> once a marine, always a marine. we're all brothers regardless whether i'm wearing a union for or stripes. it's odd seeing the marine family in here. >> reporter: they are distributing 300 toys this year to local kids and next year they plan to double the number, a goal made easier because of the influx of state prisoners being funneled into local county jails. >> we do a lot of vocational training here including until the wood sh