The neck of an employee. They held our bakers at knifepoint. They wanted wheres the money, wheres the safe . Reporter then the suspects rooted around the bakery, finding a cash box and stealing employee tips. The owner says they got away with about a thousand dollars. At the end of the day, were just happy that nobody got hurt. We could deal with the loss of cash. That isnt an issue. Reporter the alum rock bakery which caps grandfather started back in 1936 didnt let the attacks stop them from opening for business. And as usual, customers lined up down the block. We come all the way over here to buy the burnt almonds, because you cant get a better one anywhere else. Reporter a Police Report has been filed, and this video has now been shared hundreds of times on social media. Pat peters said he offered his team the day off. They decided to stay. As you can see, operations are still going. So it didnt put a dent in our stride. Reporter in san jose, scott budman, nbc bay area news. Scott, thank you. New developments tonight in the investigation into a string of violent home invasions in san jose. A fifth suspect was arrested this week. It all started back in may. One of the invasions was caught on this dash cam video by the victims wife as she came home. She found the thieves holding her husband and 15monthold child at gunpoint. The crooks were able to get away in a car that police say was stolen during a separate home invasion. Days later, another violent breakin targeted an elderly couple who were attacked and robbed at gunpoint. San jose police have arrested five suspects who are now in the Santa Clara County jail. Okay. Lets turn to our weather. Crazy out there. Rain, hail, humidity, even lightning. Were seeing it all. Jeff, i shot this mini rainstorm in palo alto this morning. I almost called you from the car. I saw the tag on instagram. So thank you for that. I was so excited. It lasted about nine minutes, and then it was gone. Yes. And you know, the beneficial part of it for most of the bay area, because we only saw a couple of Lightning Strikes down near the santa cruz mountains. No fires were sparked from that. So that definitely is a nice layer here in all of this. And it just, yes, as you guys have been saying, its felt so strange outside. You open up the door and am i on the west coast . No. It feels more like the east coast out there. And thats because we have this area of High Pressure. Its helping to pull in monsoonal moisture. Very humid, tropical air. Those lightning chances also responsible for that heat we especially dealt with yesterday. Now on top of this today, we had the smaller system moving up the coastline. An that also contributed to some of these isolated thunderstorm chances weve had through the day. So as we get a look right now you see its most active here over the sierra, over the past couple hours. Multiple Lightning Strikes through the bay area. Its been relatively quiet the past couple of hours at this point. Weve just seen a few spotty showers up into the north bay. Totals today trace amounts to 0. 05. All in all, were beginning to see those chances decrease as we head through tonight. The other big news, the temperatures. After 106 in livermore yesterday, right now were tracking 90. That fog is definitely helping to drop temperatures and pretty fast right now. Ive got more updates coming up in about 15 minutes. An active night in the weather center. Thank you, jeff. Its been two years since that massive czu lightning fire. It scorched more than 86,000 acres in san mateo and santa cruz counties. Lightning started that fire. And today with Lightning Strikes reported in the same area, cal fire crews remain on high alert. So whats the plan to prevent another disaster . Here is nbc bay areas marianne favro. Reporter this is one of several wildland fire engines. It went out early this morning to investigate reports of Lightning Strikes in both san mateo and santa cruz counties. It started with a flash. Then flames began speeding through the steep terrain, burning more than 900 homes in Santa Cruz County alone. I have friends lost their houses. Reporter it was two years ago yesterday. More than 100 Lightning Strikes in remote areas of the santa cruz and San Mateo County mountains sparked the massive czu wildfire. And the threat of a repeat looms large today, which is why cal fire crews rushed to respond to several reports of Lightning Strikes this morning. They were detected by fire surveillance cameras, special weather apps, and phone calls from people in the area. We had a few strikes in the area of Kings Mountain in San Mateo County. And we had a few strikes in the far area of Crystal Springs reservoir area right there. And then in Santa Cruz County, we had a few large groups of strikes above the landfall near dimeo lane. Reporter crews from the fall creek station near felton used this wildland engine to investigate a nearby strike. Well follow gps coordinates to that location. Sometimes its not always accessible with the engine. But if its not, then well hike our way in. Reporter so far ground crews have not spotted any active fires. But theyre not taking any chances. This afternoon, well probably do a recon flight with our air attack, just to fly over and confirm that there is no fires that we may have missed. Reporter drought conditions, tinder dry brush and heat only increased the risk a Lightning Strike can quickly lead to a large fire, which is why cal fire has beefed up staffing and brought in volunteer firefighters. Mike martin who survived the czu fire appreciates the proactive approach. Once the fire gets into the woods and goes, its horrible. There is no way to get in there with a truck. And it goes so fast. Reporter in the santa cruz mountains, marianne favro, nbc bay area news. Well, this high heat this week has prompted a statewide flex alert as of tonight. That means youre being asked not to use your washer, dryers, and dishwashers and ease up on your air conditioner until 9 00 p. M. A the blessing of the grapes today in livermore, we talked to farmers and wine makers about the challenges theyre facing with the combination of this heat, the deepening drought, and flex alert so close to harvest. The winery is air conditioned. So we are keeping it at about 70 degrees. A lot of wine cellars are much cooler. Were not keeping it as cool and that conserves. We also have a lot of solar panels on the roof. Have to take care of the wine. They say theyre resilient, noting at least they dont have to deal with the smokestained grapes from wildfires this year as theyve dealt with in the last few years. Way the stay positive. Angry San Francisco parents are continuing to protest the removal of a school principal. Parents at Ulloa Elementary School in San Francisco rallied at the school today. Theyre upset over the removal of a listeningtime principal. It followed a fight at the school in january. One of the kids used a racist word. Later in a meeting with the kids, the principal used the word to explain that its unacceptable. Well, the district didnt like that. So it fired her. But the parents didnt like being excluded from that decision. These are people who not part of ulloa. Why do they get to make decisions and be engaged when the ulloa community and families are being left out . Do we have a voice . The parents say for 20 years the principal did great work and that should have been considered. Their Letter Writing Campaign collected 27,000 enforcements of her work. The family of a murdered woman from oakley met with the Contra Costa County kat today. Members of their office. This comes after last weeks protest outside of the d. A. s office. Alexis gabes family wants the d. A. To charge the mother of the murder suspect marshall jones. The gabe family tells us that Antioch Police recently showed them Surveillance Video of jones arriving at his moms house with two large heavy trash bags two days after alexa disappeared. Nbc bay area did try to call the mother for comment, but did not reach her. In a statement, the d. A. Said they previously bought brought in jones mother in an attempt to get her to admit a connection to the crime, but were unable to gather enough evidence for criminal prosecution. This is pretty nice. A joyful reunion in fremont today. Frankie the French Bulldog has been found and is back home with his owner. Take a look. The pictures of the reunion so happy. You may remember the 3monthold frenchie was stolen earlier this month. It happened in a 7eleven parking lot on fremont boulevard. Weighed just about eight pounds at the time. Wasnt wearing a collar. The family offered a 700 reward for his return. No word yet on how police found frankie, but they are very happy to see him back home where he belongs. As you probably know, school is back in session across the bay area, including in danville. Tonight we have the inside story about the drowning at San Ramon Valley high school four years ago. We want the truth to come out. This is what really happened to the boy that drowned in the High School Swimming pool on may 8th, 2018. There was a lot of confusion and false narratives about how ben curry drowned during pe class at San Ramon Valley high. Fellow students lit up social media at that time with speculation the 15yearold freshman had taken his own life. But his parents tell us it was a terrible but avoidable accident that ben died while treading water and sank to the bottom of the pool without anyone noticing. The curries sued the School District to get answers and find out what happened in that pool in 2018. They say as of this day, they have yet to get a phone call from the superintendent at the time or the pe teacher. Were not hateful people. We dont want him to suffer. But we would like an apology. We would like to hear from him that i am so sorry, a heartfelt apology. It was an awful mistake, many awful mistakes. And we just want to hear sorry. There was a lot more to the story including an expired lifeguard certification and allegations of too many kids placed into a single pe class. We also look into changes, what changes San Ramon Valley high school has made regarding pool safety. That story coming up tonight on our 11 00 newscast. Up next, he says he acted in selfdefense. The man accused of attacking a 49ers fan outside sofi stadium back in january makes his plea for innocence. Also, not being forced to pay up. How a San Jose Church is avoiding fines for baking avoiding fines for baking covired californians have a choice between two initiatives on sports betting. Prop 27 generates hundreds of millions every year to permanently fund getting people off the streets a prop 26 . Not a dime to solve homelessness prop 27 has strong protections to prevent minors from betting. Prop 26 . No protections for minors. Prop 27 helps every tribe, including disadvantaged tribes. Prop 26 . Nothing for disadvantaged tribes vote yes on 27. This is a story weve been covering for months. Tonight there are growing questions about that confrontation that severely injured a popular bay area chef. It happened outside of sofi stadium down in l. A. Just before the 49ers and rams faced off for the nfc championship game last january. The suspect claims he did noting you. Here is nbc bay areas velena jones. The video will prove my innocence. Reporter its been months since 49ers and rams faced off on the field. But tonight two of their fans are in a court battle after a tailgating fight outside the nfc championship left a beloved oakland chef, daniel luna, with severe injuries. Prosecutors say luna was hit and fell and slammed his head boo the ground. I am looking forward for my day in court. And i ask everyone to remember that we all have a right to defend ourselves. Reporter today outside an l. A. Courtroom, rams fan bryan cifuentes, who has been charged with battery in the case, said videos capturing the confrontation at sofi stadium will show luna was the instigator. My client at the time was the only rams fan in a group of 49ers fans. And he was assaulted and there was a reaction to it. Reporter luna, the 40yearold owner and chef at oaklands mistura restaurant, was found bloodied in the Stadium Parking lot and ultimately spent more than a month in a medically induced coma. In the days after the incident, we spoke to a friend of lunas who worried if the chef would survive. Have this happen just as if starting to feel like maybe there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Maybe were going to start to get to a point where we get through this. To have this happen to chef luna is heartbreaking. Reporter as luna recovers, the doors to his once popular peruvian restaurant remain closed, an upsetting reality that some feared would follow the confrontation. A huge loss to our neighborhood to have mistura close. Especially over something so, like, just so ridiculous. Reporter daniel lunas family declined to speak to us today, but his attorneyses released a statement disputing his claims of selfdefense and say daniel and his family are focused on his long road to recovery. Velena jones, nbc major court win for a San Jose Church trefused to follow county covid19 restrictions. A the peak of the pandemic, cavalry chapel san jose continued the hold large inperson Services Despite multiple Health Orders requiring them to dramatically limit capacity. The county responded with major fines and an Appellate Court has sided with the church, dismissing some 200,000 in court fees and fines. Legal analysts say the fight is likely to make it all the way to the Supreme Court and could set new legal precedent nationwide. Essentially, what the Supreme Court is doing is dissolving the separation between church and state on the one hand, and on the other hand, radically expanding the exercise of free religion. The county has already said this isnt the end of the fight. In a statement, a spokesperson says, quote, we will continue to hold cavalry accountable for putting our communitys health and safety at risk. And we are proud of the countys proactive efforts throughout the pandemic to save lives. Okay. Jeff ranieri back with us. Are you going to start with the humidity, the heat, the rain, the hail . What are you going with . We have so much. We are seeing some improvements, though. Hopefully its going to start to feel i think at this point more like california as we head into tomorrows forecast. It sounds good. Interesting. It definitely has been quite layered here in that bay area weather. So lets get into that microclimate forecast. And we are going to take a look here at some of that progress. Check it out. 24hour temperature change. I know youre going to love this. We are down 14 degrees cooler in novato. Down 19 degrees cooler in santa rosa compared to this time yesterday. Thats because of that fog rolling right back in at the coastline. Even though we did still have some mid and upper 90s inland, again, things are beginning to drop and fast. So i want to take you to some of that isolated heat we have. Its down here towards livermore. You can also see some of the subtropical moisture and clouds that brought in the humidity today and thunderstorm chances. Right now we have 90 degrees. Its going to be a warm night with some of the cloud cover overhead. Its going to to help to trap at least a little bit of the daytime heating. Well be in the 80s and eventually dropping down to the 70s. Improvements on the temperatures. What about those thunderstorms . We saw a few Lightning Strikes right near the santa cruz mountains. Also through San Mateo County. The small system weve been watching right at the coastline, its going to continue to pull away tomorrow. And i think take the best thunderstorm chances with it. We only saw trace amounts to 0. 05. But definitely feeling sticky out there. More like florida than california. And on the radar right now, we do not have anything to track at this point. Thats some mid level moisture there showing up on the doppler radar. So as we roll through tomorrows forecast, the area of High Pressure that brought in that 106 degree heat yesterday, some of the heat today, the tropical air, all that stuff, thats going to be kicking off towards the east and the south. So were not going to be under the influence of that quite as much. We just got that fog coming back at the coastline, and we should also have some dryer air making it feel more comfortable. So well start it off tomorrow morning with fog and drizzle at the coastline. Patchy clouds inland. Then through the afternoon, we get our sunshine back. Temperatures start, its going to feel a little nicer for us with plenty of 60s here. South bay to the trivalley. San francisco, i have you at 59. Also upper 50s in the north bay. Daytime highs. Instead of tripledigits in the south bay, were at 86 in cupertino. 94 in morgan hill. Through the east bay, livermore to antioch, mid90s. Closer to the bay, 77 in hayward. The peninsula, 75 in san mateo. San francisco, 50s and 60s. And the north bay, clearlake you get closer to the bay, 79 in mill valley. My forecast for San Francisco will have 60s returning through the next several days with morning fog, afternoon sun. And here we go. Some upper 80s and low 90s this upcoming weekend. It definitely was wild out there today for sure. Wild like the wild fries, is that what you call it . In and out . Animal style. We got to get you the in and out burger. It was kind of like the animal style of weather, right . Yeah, a little bit. Thank you, chef. We got to get you some in and out. I know. Im getting hungry. Up next, an east bay freeway becomes a parking lot for hours. What caused this big ms in what caused this big ms in contesra so whats going on . Im a talking dog. The other issue. Oh. Im scratching like crazy. Youve got some allergic itch with skin inflammation. Apoquel can work on that itch in as little as 4 hours, whether its a new or chronic problem. And apoquels treated over 11 million dogs. Nice. And. The talking dog thing . Is it bothering you . No. Itching like a dog is bothering me. Until dogs can speak for themselves, you have to. When allergic itch is a problem, ask for apoquel. Apoquel is for the control of itch associated with allergic dermatitis and the control of Atopic Dermatitis in dogs. Do not use apoquel in dogs less than 12 months old or those with serious infections. Apoquel may increase the chances of developing serious infections and may cause existing parasitic skin infestations or preexisting cancers to worsen. New neoplasias were observed in clinical studies and postapproval. Most common side effects are vomiting and diarrhea. Feeling better . Im speechless. Thanks for the apoquel. Ahh, thats what friends are for. Ask your veterinarian for apoquel. Next to you, apoquel is a dogs best friend. This is what people with eczema said about how their skin feels. When it comes to our skin, what if it could feel differently . Say hello to opzelura for the treatment of mild to moderate eczema. Opzelura is a steroidfree cream proven to help clear skin and significantly reduce itch. Do not start opzelura if you have any infection as it may lower your ability to fight them. Tell your doctor if you are being treated for an infection;. Have tb or have been in close contact with someone with tb; have had hepatitis b or c. Serious lung infections, skin cancer, blood clots, and low blood cell counts have been reported with opzelura. In patients taking jak inhibitors, serious infections, increased risk of death, lymphoma, other cancers, immune system problems, and major cardiovascular events have occured. The most common side effect is pain and swelling in the nose or throat. Its a oneofakind cream. So, what could that mean for your skin . Ask your dermatologist about opzelura. It was an epic backup for thousands of drivers after a big rig jackknifed on an east bay freeway this morning. Our sky ranger flew over this morning. According to the chp, it all started at around 7 45 around 680 southbound north of pacheco boulevard. Big rig, and a number of other vehicles collided and the truck jackknifed, closing all southbound lanes. Making matters worse, dozens of gallons of diesel spilled on to the freeway there. Southbound lanes remain closed for the entire commute. Morning commute along with at least one northbound lane. Some drivers told us it took them hours to get around that crash. We know an ambulance responded to the scene, but were still trying to figure out how many people were injured and how serious those injuries might be. Day three of the kaiser strike, and still no resolution. About 2,000 of kaisers Mental Health care workers across northern and Central California are demanding higher pay, increased staffing and shorter wait times for patients. This was the scene today at the santa clara location. Kaiser says its made repeated offers to the union only to see them rejected without a vote. Kaiser also notes its hired nearly 200 new clinicians since last year. Just trying to keep up with the growing demand for Mental Health services. Up next, new art overlooking the city. The message behind this mural in San Francisco. And here is a look inside 30 rock and the nbc nightly news control room. Lester holt is preparing for the news. One of the top stories, a disease of the past causing concern now. Why you should find out if you were ever vaccinated against polio as a child. Lester joinss in about three with xfinity internet, you get advanced security that helps protect you at home and on the go. You feel so safe, its as if. I dont know. Evander holyfield has your back. I wouldnt click on that. Hey, thanks we got a muffin for ed all right you dont need those calories. Can we at least split it . Nope. Advanced security that helps protect your devices in and out of the home. I mean, can i have a bite . Only from xfinity. Nah. Unbeatable internet. Made to do anything so you can do anything. Californians have a choice between two initiatives on sports betting. Prop 27 generates hundreds of millions every year to permanently fund getting people off the streets a prop 26 . Not a dime to solve homelessness prop 27 has strong protections to prevent minors from betting. Prop 26 . No protections for minors. Prop 27 helps every tribe, including disadvantaged tribes. Prop 26 . Nothing for disadvantaged tribes vote yes on 27. Stop the gun violence. Thats the message of a mural project touring the country right now. The artist Kyle Holbrooke has been traveling across the United States for his gun violence awareness tour. He is painting murals to encourage stop senseless murders. The tour is now making its way to San Francisco and bernal heights. Holbrooke is a pittsburgh native but has painted works around San Francisco including haightashbury. An unusual case of monkeypox. It was not spread by sexual contact. Were joined by the lead researcher. That story and more coming up on our 7 00 newscast. Up next on nightly news, behind the scenes as astronauts prepare for a mission to the moon. Tom costello gets exclusive access. Lester holt joins us from new york. Tonight the head of the cdc ordering drastic changes and her stunning acknowledgement of mistakes in the Covid Response cdc chief dr. Rochelle walensky announcing a major shakeup saying the agencys Covid Response did not meet expectations it comes amid the rising threat of monkeypox and now growing concerns about a polio resurgence is the cdc prepared . And when will the u. S. Roll out omicron specific boosters . Dr. Jha is here answering your questions. Also tonight, former Vice President mike pence saying hed consider testifying before the january 6th committee, and his message to fellow republicans attacking the fbi over the search at maralago it comes as Rudy Giuliani appears in court. What were learning about his sixhour testimony before a special grand jury investigating alleged election meddling by donald trump in georgia. Congresswoman liz cheney, mr. Trumps most vocal gop critic, losing her primary in a landslide. Whats next for her and could it involve a run for the white house . The deadly spree in arkansas, 17 shootings over 30 hours. Are they connected the countdow