Oakland Police Department kicks off summer community tour

The Oakland Police Department is hosting its OPD CommUNITY Tour this summer, which consists of a series of block parties across the city. The goal is to reduce violence in Oakland and build trusting relationships with the community. Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong stopped by The Nine for more insight on what's to come.

Big cats rescued, rehabilitating at the Oakland Zoo

Four big cats have been rescued, thanks to some help from the Oakland Zoo. They were rescued from an abandoned roadside zoo in Oklahoma, which was cited and shut down for safety violations in 2008, and was reported to have ties to Joe Exotic. The animals are all getting much-needed care at their new homes, with two of them taking up residence at the Oakland Zoo. Colleen Kinzley, who is the vice president of animal care at the zoo, gave an update.

Raising awareness for Scoliosis

June is National Scoliosis Awareness Month. Scoliosis is a curving of the spine, which affects an estimated six to nine million people across the country. Dr. Ravi Bains, who is an orthopedic spine surgeon at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland, joined us on The Nine about the warning signs and steps you should take if your child is diagnosed.

Warriors fan carries Flag of Mexico

In a tribute to Warriors player Juan Toscano Anderson, Eric Bautista flew in from Arizona for the Golden State Warriors championship parade, holding a Mexican Flag. JTA is the first player of Mexican descent to win an NBA championship. KTVU's James Torrez reports.

Walnut Creek Restaurant Week

Walnut Creek restaurant week is June 19-26. KTVU's Frank Mallicoat speaks with a Walnut Creek Downtown representative who's up on the "Rooftop." She tells us how the city is giving visitors an opportunity to try a variety of Walnut Creek restaurants and get some deals too.

Cooking and stirring for Father's Day

Hugh Groman visits KTVU on Father's Day weekend and shows us how to make his delicious "Totchos" and Whiskey Sour. Here are the recipes, enjoy! Whiskey Sour: 3 oz whiskey 2 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice 1 oz simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, dissolved on the stove or in the microwave and cooled.) Serve over ice and garnish with orange wedge and luxardo cherries Totchos! Serves 4 16oz bag frozen potato tots 4 oz grated jack cheese 1 8oz can pinto beans, drained and pureed. 3 oz pico de gallo mixed with 3 oz tomatillo salsa (or use your favorite salsa) 4 oz sour cream mixed with 1 Tablespoon chipotle puree Hot sauce to taste Prepare 16 oz of tots in oven or in deep fryer according to directions until hot and crisp. Us a cookie sheet or casserole dish. Top with grated cheese and return to hot 400 degree oven 5 to 8 minutes. Remove tots right before serving and top with dollops of pinto bean puree, salsa and chipotle sour cream. Be creative with your favorite toppings. Try grilled sliced chicken, carnitas, scallions, black beans, diced tomato...

Zip Trips: Union City

The Mornings team took the quick drive from Oakland for a show in Union City. We've got the highlights from this East Bay city as well as a story about a woman who is using food to help those in need. Plus, we'll test your knowledge about Union City.

Italian marketplace "Eataly" opens in Santa Clara

Italian marketplace "Eataly" opens Thursday in the Valley Fair Mall, Santa Clara. KTVU's Sal Castaneda spoke with Adam Saper, Eataly's business partner, about how you could eat, shop, and learn at the marketplace.

Rainbow Women's Chorus

The Rainbow Women's Chorus of San Jose sing to promote peace and justice, to celebrate diversity, and to touch the heart of their audience. KTVU's Heather Holmes spoke with Rev. Marjorie Pearson, one of the chorus members, about how the chorus build up the esteem of all women.

Alameda County Fair returns to Pleasanton

Alameda County Fair returns Friday to Plesanton. KTVU's Sal Castaneda spoke with Tiffany Cadrette, Alameda County Fair Marketing/Communications Manager, about the delicious food the fair has to offer.

Ending gun violence in schools

There's a growing conversation about how students and teachers are taught to react to attacks in the classroom. Katherine Schweit, who is the former head of the FBI active shooter program and author of "Stop the Killing," joined us on The Nine to talk about the best ways to make schools safer.

New book celebrates baseball along Route 66

If you love baseball, you'll love this book. "Grassroots Baseball: Route 66" celebrates America's pastime along the famous route, detailing stories from some of the game's greats. Jean Fruth, one of baseball's internationally-recognized photographers, and Jeff Idelson, who is the former National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum president, stopped by The Nine for a first look.

Mocktails on the rise

Mixologist, Robert Roach stopped by to talk about the rise in popularity of Mocktails.