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4th of July fireworks filtered through foggy skies in San Francisco
Video Posted Jul 04 2019 10:15PM PDT
SAN FRANCISCO (KTVU) - The fog wasn't enough to chase crowds away from San Franciso on 4th of July Thursday night.
The show above San Francisco's northern waterfront is the Bay Area's largest official display and an annual tradition.
Many braved cool temperatures and came hours early to get a prime viewing spot for the show.
"I was hoping for better weather, but it's still kind of neat that people are roughing the coldness out," said spectator, Christine Watras.
Many said they came to celebrate the fourth because the holiday means a love of the country, freedom and grattitude. Also, a time for reflection.
"It's Amercia's birthday. I'm an American. I think it's neat to have pride in your own country and celebrate it," Watras said.
A circle of family and friends on the waterfront includes a fifth grade teacher who's also a father of five young children. They see the holiday as a teachable moment.
"It's people. It's openess. It's acceptance, community," said Vincent Eisman.
"We go back all the way to the founding of our country and the liberties that we have and how our founding fathers fought for us to be able to live and act as we see fit," said Joey Prather of Oakdale.
Live entertainment served as a prelude to the fireworks shows. It was a celebration joined by people visiting from other countries, including a group of friends from Ireland, here in the United States on work visas.
They said America has culture and a relaxed vibe that's unique.
"Everything's bigger in America. At least that's what everyone says. And it really lives up to all the expectations," said Jason Wong, a visitor from Dublin, Ireland.
The fireworks display lasted 25 minutes.
"Just look at this environment. It's absolutely gorgeous. And when the fog is too low and you can't see the fireworks, you get all the ships at Hyde Street backlit by the Pier 39 fireworks," said Vincent Eisman of Oakdale.
Many knew that fog is always a factor, but say it's still a celebration worth attending.
By Sara Zendehnam, KTVU
Posted Jul 17 2019 09:19AM PDT
Updated Jul 17 2019 09:57AM PDT
The growing number of deaths along SMART tracks in the North Bay has prompted police and government officials to take action.
The rail agency's board of directors will meet on Wednesday to discuss suicide prevention along the tracks.
Nine people have died since the start of the train system in August 2017, with the most recent death on Monday at golf course drive in Rohnert Park.
Judge finds suspect in murder of Nia Wilson competent to stand trial
A judge on Wednesday reinstated criminal proceedings against the suspect charged with murder in the fatal stabbing of 18-year-old Nia Wilson after reviewing a third doctor's report.
KTVU's Henry Le says the doctor found John Lee Cowell, 28, competent to stand trial despite his mental illness.
BREAKING: Judge reinstates criminal proceedings against John Cowell in deadly stabbing of Nia Wilson at MacArthur @SFBART Station in Oakland after reviewing 3rd doctor's report, which says he's competent to stand trial despite mental illness. @AlamedaCountyDA pic.twitter.com/QbMKnwus5z
By BCN , KTVU Staff
BART passengers who bring their bicycles along for the ride will be getting some help to steady their bikes from new straps on train cars, according to the transit agency.
The new straps are intended to secure bikes to a rail so riders can steady themselves instead of their bicycles. Each strap can secure up to two bikes.
The straps are made of a flame-retardant nylon, similar to overhead hand straps for holding on. It features a black buckle and is attached to a rail with a rivet.
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