Fourth of July

Hilary Duff isn’t here for the nonsense.

Californians mostly heeded warnings to stay away from beaches and other public spaces during the long weekend as state officials urged social distancing amid a spike in coronavirus infections and hospitalizations. Many communities canceled July 4 fireworks shows and other annual festivities, changes that appeared to successfully keep crowds at bay. Volunteers were acting as “goodwill ambassadors” to remind people…

It’s a far cry from what Fourth of July celebrations typically look like around the Bay Area, but in Gilroy a semblance of the usual traditions took place as it was the only city in the Bay Area to continue with its fireworks show, despite warnings from the county and the governor. Ginger Conejero Saab reports.

It was a busy Fourth of July for Bay Area fire crews as they chased grassfires all day – and it only got worse as the sun went down. Illegal fireworks were the cause of many of the dozens of fires, some of which threatened or damaged homes. Thom Jensen reports.

Independence Day looks a lot different this year around the Bay Area, with big celebrations canceled due to COVID-19 – but instead of marking the holiday in the traditional way, many people are continuing their push for social justice. Christie Smith reports.

Independence Day looks a lot different this year around the Bay Area, with big celebrations canceled due to COVID-19 – but instead of marking the holiday in the traditional way, many people are continuing their push for social justice. Christie Smith reports.

Political activist 63-year-old Gregory “Joey” Johnson, who won the right to burn the American flag in the landmark U.S. Supreme Court 1989 case of Texas v. Johnson took to a Hollywood street Saturday and burned three flags — a Confederate flag, a Blue Lives Matter flag and a U.S. flag — to protest the policies of President Donald Trump. The…

As the coronavirus surges in the state, Californians celebrated Independence Day with virtual parades featuring air flyovers and photos of flag-draped front porches instead of pancake breakfasts and crowded festivities. Meanwhile, law enforcement officers were out and about, reminding people to wear masks in public and turning away disappointed sun-seekers from beaches that were closed to discourage crowds for the…

It wouldn’t be the Fourth of July without San Jose product Joey “Jaws” Chestnut taking center stage and scarfing down hot dogs at an alarming rate.

Associated Press writer Russell Contreras has always had trouble with the July Fourth holiday due to his family’s Mexican American past

Halfway through a very unsettling year, Americans are marking the 244th anniversary of their nation’s birth in a land of confusion.

With “reopening” on hold in much of the Bay Area, holiday weekend closures include roads and popular gathering spots, as well as beaches – though in some cases streets are closed to encourage safe shopping and dining during the coronavirus pandemic.

All beaches and related parking areas in San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Pacifica and other communities, including the Monterey Peninsula, will be closed from early Friday through late Sunday or even Monday morning to prevent crowds and slow the spread of COVID-19. Robert Handa reports.

President Donald Trump is planning a fiery speech for Friday night’s Mount Rushmore fireworks

The message from most Bay Area counties this Fourth of July has been pretty universal: please stay home to stay safe. Apparently that message is not being heard at some Bay Area waterways. Marinas, boat sales, and outdoor dining spots on Discovery Bay and the Sacramento River Delta say business is booming. “This is probably the busiest year we have…

The message from most Bay Area counties this Fourth of July has been pretty universal: please stay home to stay safe. Apparently that message is not being heard at some Bay Area waterways. Thom Jensen reports.

With reopening on hold in much of the Bay Area, holiday weekend closures include roads and popular gathering spots, as well as beaches – though in some cases streets are closed to encourage safe shopping and dining during the coronavirus pandemic. Cierra Johnson reports.

Willie Nelson’s annual Fourth of July Picnic is going ahead this year, but to reduce concerns about the coronavirus the event will be virtual.

Boaters are flocking to the Delta in unprecedented numbers for the July Fourth holiday weekend, according to one official, despite warnings from state and local authorities about large gatherings. Jackie Ward reports.

All over the Bay Area, the skyline is filled with illegal fireworks, and this year, the shows have been happening in various neighborhoods weeks before the Fourth of July.